Story to Watch for December 2005 -- candidate filings

The period when candidates can file their nominating petitions in the primary elections for statewide and countywide races is from December 12^th through December 19^th. New countywide and statewide officeholders will emerge next month. Will Edwin Eisendrath file against Rod Blagojevich? Who will file for Cook County Sheriff? How many conservative Republicans will file against Judy Baar Topinka in the Republican race for governor? And for Illinois treasurer, what Chicagoans (perhaps Representative John Fritchey?) will file against Downstater Paul Mangieri? Any dark horse opponents to Pat Quinn, Dan Hynes, Jesse White or Lisa Madigan (and how many people would have predicted in 2003 that none of them would have any opposition in their next primary election?) Will reformers Mike Quigley and Forrest Claypool find a way to avoid splitting the reform vote against John Stroger or will they both file for President? In cold and windy corners around the state, signatures are being gathered and we’ll know who will run for what next month.

Thanks Eric!