If there's any state that might need a breather from politics, it's Illinois.
But the state that ejected Democratic Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on corruption allegations earlier this year has the first-in-the-nation 2010 primary on Feb. 2, and Tuesday was the first day that prospective candidates could ask voters to sign nominating petitions to place them on the primary ballot.
Yes, you read that correctly: just seven months after the 111th Congress convened and 15 months before the November 2010 elections, Illinois incumbents and candidates have to make their political plans now. The candidate filing deadline is Nov. 2.
Here's a look at some of the Illinois races CQ Politics will be watching most closely:
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Governor: Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, a former lieutenant governor who became Illinois' chief executive after Blagojevich was ousted, probably will be opposed in the primary by state Comptroller Dan Hynes. More than a half-dozen Republicans are planning to run.
Senate: Democrat Roland W. Burris, whom Blagojevich appointed to Barack Obama's former Senate seat prior to his removal from office, isn't seeking election. Republicans have a good chance with their likely nominee, Rep. Mark Steven Kirk. Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is seeking the seat, though other Democrats may enter.
7th District: Democratic Rep. Danny K. Davis seems likely to run instead for the presidency of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The winner of what should be a large Democratic primary will succeed Davis in a black-majority and heavily Democratic district.
10th District: With Kirk running for the Senate, Democrats have a shot at winning his district in suburbs north of Chicago. The Democratic contestants include state Rep. Julie Hamos and business consultant Dan Seals; several Republicans are planning bids.
11th District: Republican officials prefer Adam Kinzinger, a young military veteran, as their challenger to first-term Democratic Rep. Debbie Halvorson in a district that takes in some exurbs and rural territory south of Chicago.
13th District: Republican Rep. Judy Biggert probably will face a rematch with Democrat Scott Harper, who lost their 2008 contest by 10 percentage points.
14th District: Republican lawyer Ethan Hastert, a son of former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, is challenging Democratic Rep. Bill Foster in a district west of Chicago that the elder Hastert held for more than 20 years. Republican Jeff Danklefsen also is seeking the seat.
Follow CQ Politics' coverage of the 2010 elections by checking out our election maps for races for governor, Senate and House.
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