Bloomington physician David Gill has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court with hopes of restoring his name to the ballot in the race for Illinois' 13th Congressional District. He wants justices to vacate the stay entered by a federal appeals court that forced his name from the November 8 ballot. The four-time Democratic candidate for the office is running as an independent for the first time.
The Illinois State Board of Elections has formally removed David Gill from the ballot. The Bloomington physician was running as an independent for Congress in the 13th District, which includes Springfield, Decatur and Champaign. Gill's attorney, Sam Cahnman, says he'll continue to pursue an appeal.
Bloomington physician David Gill has successfully sued to keep his name on the ballot in Illinois' 13th Congressional race. David Gill is running as an independent, and failed to file the number of valid signatures required by Illinois law. A federal judge says Gill must remain on the ballot, but the Illinois Attorney General is reviewing the judge's order.
Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline discussed the 13th District with Chris Mooney, Director of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. Mooney says demographically, the district is one of the most even in the country.
Illinois makes running for office much harder for candidates who file as independents than those who identify as Democrats and Republicans. As Brian Mackey reports, that law is being challenged in federal court.
