Monday was the first day to file petitions for statewide and federal political candidates in Illinois.
More than three-hundred people were in line by eight o'clock Monday morning at Springfield's State Board of Elections Office to file either for their own candidacies, or for those of people they represent - some waiting since last Thursday.
Being at the front of the line may be something more symbolic than important, according to Steve Sandvoss, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections.
"It doesn't serve any practical benefit. Anybody in line at eight o'clock is eligible for the filing lottery. So, I think it's just one of those things that traditionally a certain group has always been there first in line, and maybe they didn't want to break the tradition and jinx their efforts."
Mike Bost will seek re-election to his congressional seat in southern Illinois.
The Murphysboro republican has submitted 3,121 signatures , exceeding the 746 signatures needed to qualify as a candidate.
First elected in 2014, Bost represents Illinois' 12 th Congressional District in Congress.
The race for Illinois comptroller has narrowed. There will no longer be a Democratic primary.
State Senator Daniel Biss of Evanston has confirmed ... he will not run.
"I thought very hard about what my chances were, and came to the conclusion the best thing I could do to advance the cause that I believe in would be to step back at this time."
Biss says now he'll redouble his efforts to get Illinois out of its fiscal situation. He says having no budget is "immoral and wrong."
Biss says he's pledging his support to the remaining Democrat in the race ... Chicago City Clerk Susanna Mendoza.
Republicans' nominee is sure to be Leslie Munger, who has held the office since January when the governor appointed her comptroller.
Illinois wasn't scheduled to hold an election for comptroller until 20-18; but voters' choice in the last election -- Judy Baar Topinka - died before she was sworn in for a new term.
The lotteries to determine first and last placement on the ballot are December 9th at 2pm. The filing deadline is next Monday at 5pm.
