Campaign season in Illinois got underway Monday as hundreds of candidates lined up to file nominating petitions for the 2014 election.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and four Republican challengers were among more than 350 hopefuls who had filed for state-level races by mid-morning.
Monday was the first day papers could be filed for candidates standing in the March 18 primary. Being in line when doors opened at 8 a.m. means a candidate can be part of a lottery to determine who gets top ballot position.
At the State Board of Elections in Springfield, dozens of politicians stood in line in below-freezing temperatures. Candidates for municipal office file theirs with county clerks.
Dec. 2 is the last day that candidates can file petitions.