* Yesterday was the first day to file nominating petitions. Sun-Times…
Six Chicago area Democratic members of Congress could see primary challengers in the March 19 election. […]
U.S. Reps. Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky, Sean Casten, Bill Foster, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Mike Quigley all filed their required nominating petitions on Monday, and at least one Democratic challenger filed petitions in each of their races.
The six Democrats are among a slew of statewide and county candidates who filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Cook County clerk’s office on the first day of the week-long filing period.
Candidates who turned in their signatures first thing Monday morning earned a spot in a lottery to have their names appear at the top of the ballot, a spot that many believe offers a slight advantage in crowded races.
* Tribune…
First in line was Cherita Logan, who arrived in Springfield on Saturday on behalf of longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. On Sunday night, she was keeping warm inside a camper in a vast empty parking lot outside the elections board office. But by 7 a.m. Monday, she was waiting outside the election board’s door with petitions for Davis, who is seeking a 15th term to represent the 7th District, which covers parts of Chicago’s West and South sides, downtown and near west suburbs.
“Elders used to say ‘Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today’ and in case any kind of issues happen, I was going to be here with those petitions and get them filed,” said Logan, a deputy coordinator for Davis, who has been in Congress since 1997. “But you want to be first. It’s competitive.”
Davis faced his stiffest challenge in years when he defeated progressive Kina Collins by slightly more than six percentage points in last year’s Democratic primary before running unopposed in the general election. Collins is expected to run again, but Davis also figures to face a primary challenge from Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who has come under scrutiny in the last few months after the Tribune reported that several now-former employees of her office accused her of ethical lapses or misusing public resources for her private benefit.
Earlier this month, the city’s Board of Ethics ruled that Conyears-Ervin violated the city’s ethics code in a probable cause finding related to those allegations.
* Capitol News Illinois’ story focused mainly on the House Republicans…
Among those in line at 8 a.m. was House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, who said she’d consider it a success if the superminority party picked up five seats this year. Democrats currently hold a 78-40 majority in that chamber, but McCombie said she was hopeful her party could make headway in the Chicago suburbs. […]
On the issue of abortion, McCombie said the GOP should “talk about it” – and her status as Republicans’ first-ever top female leader in the House puts her in the position to do so.
“I think, with a female leader, it might be a little bit different,” she said when asked about Democrats’ successfully campaigning on the abortion issue since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision last summer.
“I think the government certainly always has their hands in every issue. And I think we just have to approach it and be realistic about it and just talk about it,” she said, later adding, “We’re not afraid to talk about our bodies.”
* Daily Herald…
The race to replace Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx commenced Monday, the first day of filing for chief prosecutor hopefuls and other candidates seeking to run in the March 19, 2024, primary election. […]
Among the candidates vying to replace Foxx is Democrat Clayton Harris III, who filed his petitions at 9 a.m. Monday, according to the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
A prosecutor under former Cook County State’s Attorney Richard Devine, The Chicago resident served on the city’s intergovernmental affairs team and as counsel for the Chicago Department of Transportation. He also served the Illinois Department of Transportation’s chief of staff and chief of staff to the governor’s office. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Illinois International Port District.
Retired Appellate Court Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke of Chicago also intends to run in next year’s Democratic primary, but will file her petitions on Dec. 4, according to a campaign spokeswoman. Elected as a judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in 2008, Burke served eight years before being elected to the First District Appellate Court.
* No surprise…
* Center Square…
For seats in Congress, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, is vying for a sixth term. He said he’s got years of experience and serves as a chairman for the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
“The last time that we had a person in Congress south of Springfield that actually had a full committee chair was 42 years ago,” Bost said. “It’s vitally important. It’s an advantage for your district.”
Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, is challenging Bost in the Republican primary. He said Bost is an insider and Illinois deserves more conviction from their representative.
“So the incumbent has been a congressman for 10 years, we had a state rep for 20 years above that, you tell me what experience gets you whenever this state has continually declined,” Bailey said.
More from Bailey…
* WGLT…
A variety of local, state, and federal candidates filed nominating petitions Monday on the opening day of the filing period.
If two candidates filed for the same office at 8 a.m., there will be a lottery to decide who gets listed first on the primary ballot for the March 19, 2024, election.
Among the contested primary early filers were Chuck Erickson of Bloomington and Regan Deering of Decatur. They are running for the Republican Party nomination for state representative in the 88th House District that stretches from northern McLean County to Decatur and takes in part of Bloomington-Normal. Incumbent Rep. Dan Caulkins is not seeking re-election.
State Rep. Dennis Tipsword of Metamora filed for reelection in the 105th House District. Tipsword will face Donald Rients of Benson in the GOP primary. That deep-red rural district stretches from Peoria north to Bureau and Lasalle counties and east to Livingston and McLean counties.
* WTTW…
In many Chicago wards, the alderperson — or his or her close ally — serves as the committeeperson to consolidate power and operations. In the 26th Ward, newly elected Ald. Jessie Fuentes will try to do just that, after defeating current 26th Ward Committeeperson Angee Gonzalez Rodriguez in February’s City Council election.
Fuentes said she was moved to run for committeeperson after Toro was appointed to the 20th District seat instead of Graciela Guzman, who has the backing of the progressive political movement that elected Johnson.
“There needs to be much more transparency in appointments,” Fuentes said. “Committeepeople still have a major role to play in the Democratic Party.”
However, in the 12th Ward, newly elected Ald. Julia Ramirez will not run for committeeperson. Instead, Ramirez endorsed state Rep. Theresa Mah, who will face former Ald. George Cardenas, who is running again for committeeperson.
* Daily Herald…
Four rematches were among 11 contested general election races for suburban Illinois House seats that took shape Monday on the first day of candidate filing for the March 19, 2024, primary election.
Only the 58th House District, encompassing an area in eastern Lake County, saw a contested primary race develop, pitting incumbent Bob Morgan of Deerfield and fellow Democrat Brian (B.J.) McCaslin of Highland Park. […]
The rematches from the November 2022 general election for state House seats include: Democratic incumbent Diane Blair-Sherlock and Republican challenger Robert “Rusty” Stevens of Villa Park in the 46th District; Republican incumbent Amy L. Grant and Democrat Jackie Williamson of Wheaton in the 47th District; Democratic incumbent Mary Beth Canty and Republican Michele Hunter, both of Arlington Heights, in the 54th District; and Democratic incumbent Norma Hernandez and Republican Anthony Airdo, both of Melrose Park, in the 77th District.
Other House incumbents facing challenges are Republican Jennifer Salitro of Hanover Park from Democrat Maria C. Vesey of Roselle in the 48th District; Democrat Maura Hirschauer of Batavia from Republican Aris Garcia of Streamwood in the 49th District; Democrat Nabeela Syed of Palatine from Republican Tosi Ufodike of Hawthorn Woods in the 51st District; Democrat Suzanne Ness of Crystal Lake from Republican Laurie Parman of Sleepy Hollow in the 66th District; and Democrat Harry Benton of Plainfield from Republican Gabby Shanahan of Joliet in the 97th District.
* WGEM…
One race that candidates couldn’t file for Monday, was president. Illinois’ presidential primary filing dates are in early January.
Independent and minor party candidates also didn’t file Monday. They file in June with higher signature requirements as they look to go directly to the November ballot.
* Pantagraph…
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White arrived shortly after 7 a.m. She is seeking a full 10-year term after being appointed to replace retired Justice Rita Garman in 2022. She is the first Black woman to serve on the state’s high court.
Holder White told Lee Enterprises that she collected more than 5,000 signatures, at least three times more than was required. Though her name has appeared on a ballot before, Monday was the first time she personally stood in line to file her petitions.
“I think I owe that to the voters,” said Holder White, a Republican from Decatur. “I mean, I made the pledge that I would be running; they took the time to sign my petitions. And so I want to send a strong message that I’m serious about this; I’m excited about this. And so I’m here in line breathing the cold air to get my petitions filed on the first day.”
Holder White thus far is the only candidate to file in the Fourth Judicial District, which encompasses 41 counties across central, western and northwestern Illinois.
Incumbent U.S. Reps. Mary Miller, R-Hindsboro, and Eric Sorensen, D-East Moline, did not file their petitions on Monday, though both have indicated they will seek reelection.
- Trap - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 10:46 am:
Ask Darren Bailey how wearing Carhart worked out for Bruce Rauner. What an empty vessel.
- James - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 10:57 am:
Darren is down in the polls and running out of time and money. So his argument for a promotion to DC is that he files his petitions better than the other guy. Really inspiring…..
- Roman - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:10 am:
Saw Mike Bost say this to the press gaggle yesterday:
“You need someone to understand how policy works and how the rules work.”
Talking about policy and rules? Dude, you’re running in a Republican primary.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:16 am:
===“You need someone to understand how policy works and how the rules work.”
“Look, I lose my temper but still know how to get stuff done. You get the performative and the policy.” (for the record, Bost’s anger usually seems genuine)
- Rya - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:26 am:
What did Darren Bailey as a state representative? He ran for state senator. What did he do as a state senator? He ran for governor. What did Darren Bailey actually do while he was in office? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
There’s Mike Bost’s new ad.
- Pundent - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:30 am:
=“You need someone to understand how policy works and how the rules work.”=
If you want to actually do the job yes, to get elected no.
- H-W - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:31 am:
@ Rya
Yep. Maybe if he were to put on a tie? Obviously, dirty hands and boots are not working.
- Rudy’s teeth - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:44 am:
So Darren Bailey said that “the state has continually declined.”
If only Darren Bailey read the article by Crain’s Publisher and Executive Editor Jim Kirk. JB Pritzker discussed companies investing in Illinois, the state attracting college-educated individuals, and offering scholarship aid to Illinois residents. In discussing the economy, Pritzker provided examples of manufacturing throughout the state.
In the Crain’s article, were there too many multi-syllabic words and
complex ideas for Darren Bailey to digest?
During Bailey’s run for governor, he labeled the city with a pejorative and then said, Let’s move on” after the Highland Park tragedy.
Bailey’s place is on his porch and not in Congress.
- cermak_rd - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 11:51 am:
I’d like to see someone with Foxx’s criminal charging philosophy, but not her missteps. I still think not locking people up forever and allowing a real second chance is preferable to just throwing people away.
- Roman - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 12:17 pm:
== Darren is down in the polls and running out of time and money ==
The discourse here on the Bost-Bailey race is almost identical to the Davis-Miller comments two years ago: establishment GOP-types defending Bost (like they did Davis) as an authentic conservative who is interested in actual governance, and disparaging Bailey (like Miller) as a burn-it-down, do-nothing interloper. I’m betting this primary ends the same way that one did.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 12:27 pm:
===The discourse here on the Bost-Bailey race is almost identical to the Davis-Miller comments two years ago===
Agreed. Bost has a real hot one on his hands.
- Politix - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 12:31 pm:
The GOP has done plenty of talking (and acting) on abortion. That’s the problem.
Even if they took a pro-choice stance, no one would believe it.
And any attempt to “compromise” “our bodies” with a 15-week ban will make it so much worse.
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 12:31 pm:
Darren Bailey: I’m gonna keep running for elected offices cause even if I lose, I know you know I am right. And I like being in the news.
- Flyin'Elvis'-Utah Chapter - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 12:39 pm:
If anyone thinks Bost has a cake walk, they don’t spend a lot of time south of I-64.
- Rabid - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 1:03 pm:
Carhartt versus camel hair and cashmere
- Truthiness - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 1:14 pm:
Looks like Mr. and Mrs. Miller (no relation to capfax) have filed their petitions. The Board lists them as using a PO Box as their address. Not an expert, but I don’t think you can have a PO Box as your voting address and that is the address you are supposed to use on your petitions. (If true) Hopefully someone challenges them and gets them both booted for incompetence.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 1:21 pm:
===The Board lists them as using a PO Box as their address.===
They listed a street address, too. Some towns don’t have home mail delivery.
- Lordy lordy - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 1:57 pm:
Well at least Bailey wasn’t doing the “man of the people” shtick from the luxury high-rise Chicago condo this time.
- Annon'in - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 2:44 pm:
So the Durkie Reign has concluded. Sigh.
Meanwhile BossToss and Gomer square off. Thinkin’ voters in that region might be better off with a vacant seat. Noticed Mary Miller running radio ads funded with some Government Cheese. Lucky listeners
- Cosgrove - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 4:00 pm:
McCombie’s word salad on abortion is laughable. She has been “talking about it” since the day she arrived in Springfield with her 100% anti-choice voting record. She’s voted for every dangerous crazy right-wing bill and against every pro-choice bill to protect women’s health and lives. Actions speak louder than words.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 4:20 pm:
@cermak_rd “…. locking people up forever….” is rare. people who commit violence deprived of their liberty for the safety of the public should not be controversial.
- Demoralized - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 4:27 pm:
==On the issue of abortion, McCombie said the GOP should “talk about it” ==
Go ahead. It’s worked out so well for the Republicans thus far. I’m sure the Democrats would be happy if you talked about abortion.
- Wild child - Tuesday, Nov 28, 23 @ 4:57 pm:
Give me a break. I was there yesterday, and I got there really early. It looked to me as though Darren Bailey had somebody waiting in line for him, and then he walked in late and walked out early. Saying that he “waited in line,” suggesting he is a man of the people like everyone else smells like baloney to me.
- Plainfield Mike - Wednesday, Nov 29, 23 @ 10:35 am:
IPI literally putting up their own employee this cycle. Will the 97th be a test kitchen for dark money in rep races. Road map out of the super minority?