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.
David Gill’s campaign gathered more than 8,000 valid signatures for his independent run for Congress. Although that was way more than the Democrat and Republican had to collect, it wasn’t enough.
In his lawsuit, Gill argues the higher signature requirement is all about protecting the major parties from competition.
"Especially when you’re saying the Democrat and the Republican need 740 and I need 10,754. That’s — you know, everybody knows that’s a joke," Gill said.
The decision of federal Judge Sue Myerscough will likely make or break Gill’s candidacy.
She expects to rule by noon Thurs. Time is of the essence — the Illinois State Board of Elections is expected to finalize the November ballot as early as Friday.
Gill is a Bloomington physician who ran four years ago as a Democrat in the 13th Congressional District. He lost to Republican Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville, who is running for re-election. Democrat Mark Wiklund of Decatur is also in the race.