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| Early Risers in Candidate Filing Process |
Monday is the first day for candidates to file to get on the primary ballot in Illinois. The competition to be first on the list started early.
The line stretched back two blocks from the state Board of Elections in Springfield once the filing period began at 8 a.m. While candidates -- or their staffers -- have until next Monday (Nov. 2) to file, anybody in line at 8 a.m. on the first day has a chance to be first on the ballot in their respective race.
Tim Mapes, chief of staff for Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), says his people were at the door of the election office Saturday to show they were truly first. Behind Mapes Monday morning was State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), who said he got there just before 4 a. m. Brady says he prefers to file the petitions himself rather than have someone else do it, but he added he brought paper work for about 60 other Republican candidates. Mapes was representing more than 100 Democrats.
Mapes, Brady, and others in line agreed being first on the ballot can mean about five percent more votes, particularly in crowded primaries with unfamiliar names.
A couple of campers and a bus were among the vehicles parked outside, and porta-potties were even deployed in the parking lots. Two companies in the business of making campaign signs were also there, giving coffee and donuts to those in line.
As far as the ballot is concerned, a drawing from those eligible will be held Nov. 12 to determine who is first. The Illinois primary election is Feb. 2, 2010.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 10 26 09 by Newsroom |
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