Monday, Dec. 12, marked the first day that political candidates could file their petitions to get on the primary ballot. Typically in contested races, candidates file early in the morning, which forces a drawing to determine whose name will appear first on the ballot.
While officially announcing his run for the Cook County Board President seat last week, current board member Forrest Claypool said that he would file on Monday. Current board president John Stroger—who also announced
that he would seek another term—was also expected to do the same.
However, challenger and current board member Mike Quigley said he would wait to gather more signatures and to ensure that his name appears last on the ballot, avoiding what he stated is an undesirable middle position.
Another candidate who filed first thing Monday was Debra Shore, a lesbian who is running for the office of Commissioner of the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ( MWRD ) . She e-mailed Windy City Times that she and supporters have collected more than 20,000 signatures to get on the ballot. According to the Victory Fund Web site, Shore has nine opponents in the primary, including incumbents Terry O'Brien and Jim Harris.
( The MWRD controls the treatment of storm water and wastewater in Cook County and comprises nine commissioners who serve six-year terms. There are three seats up for election. )
Primary elections are to be held on March 21, 2006.