Congressional Candidates File to be on March Ballot

Congressional candidates in Illinois have started filing petitions to get their names on the ballot for the upcoming election. Filing was delayed while Republicans unsuccessfully challenged the new Democratic drawn map of districts.

It's already evident there will be some key battles brought on by the changes. The new map has forced two Republican incumbents, Adam Kinzinger and Don Manzullo, to face off in the 16th District.

In the re-drawn 13th Congressional District, incumbent Tim Johnson of Urbana will be challenged in the Republican primary by Michael Firsching, a veterinarian from the Madison community of Moro who opposed Congressman John Shimkus in the 19th district last year. The Democrats in the race are Bloomington physician David Gill and Greene County State's Attorney Matt Goetten.

Meanwhile, the 15th Congressional District, which now includes parts of Champaign County, has a smaller list of candidates. Republican Shimkus from Collinsville is running for re-election against pro-life Democrat Angela Michael of Highland. She's a retired nurse and radio talk show host.

Over in the southwest suburban 11th, GOP Congresswoman Judy Biggert will apparently have primary opposition while 3 Democrats have also filed, including former member of Congress Bill Foster.

The 2nd District will stretch from the south side of Chicago on to Kankakee. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is expected to face a primary challenge from former Democratic lawmaker Debbie Halvorson in what will likely be among the most closely watched races.

In the 8th District in Chicago's northwest suburbs, Tea Party backed Republican Joe Walsh is trying for a second term. Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, who lost a statewide bid in 2010, has submitted petitions and former member of the Obama Administration Tammy Duckworth is expected to as well.

There's an open spot near St. Louis in the metro east where Jerry Costello has retired. Five hopefuls have filed there including former GOP Lieutenant Governor candidate Jason Plummer.

Tuesday is the filing deadline. The primary election will be held on March 20th.