US Rep. Johnson Will Face Two Challengers in GOP Primary

U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) will face two challengers in the March primary for Illinois' 13th Congressional district race. It is the first time Johnson has faced a primary battle since 2000.

Retired iron worker Frank Metzger, 70, of Glen Carbon filed his paperwork before Tuesday's 5 p.m. deadline.

The other challenger, who filed last week, is veterinarian Michael Firsching of the Madison County community of Moro. The Democratic primary for the 13th district will remain the same as announced last week. Physician David Gill will take on first-time candidate and Greene County State's Attorney Matt Goetten.

And the re-drawn 15th Congressional District won't include a primary battle. Next fall, Republican Congressman John Shimkus will take on pro-life Democrat and retired nurse Angela Michael of Highland.

The Illinois primary is March 20. The State Board of Elections said Tuesday that 78 people submitted paperwork before the deadine.