Candidates for Illinois’s 18 seats in the United States House of Representatives can do nothing but continue to gather signatures on their petitions today as all other office seekers in the state are ready to file their petitions to get on the March 20 primary ballot. 

After Gov. Patrick Quinn signed legislation enacting the new Congressional map last summer Republican members of Congress including Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) of the 10^th Congressional District challenged the new boundaries in federal court.

As it considers the case, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois postponed the filing period for people running for Congress Wednesday. Rather than file petitions today, the Court ordered a delay until Dec. 23 with the last date to file Dec. 27.

People for all other offices may file their petitions today and must do so no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 5.

Neither Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) representing the 9^th Congressional District, Dold nor any of the candidates for their seats are altering their strategy as a result of the decision.

“I feel confident that when the court has fully evaluated the arguments before it, the map will be upheld as meeting all the Constitutional requirements,” Schakowsky said.

Though Schakowsky has no primary opponent, Timothy Wolfe, an Arlington Heights accountant, was ready to submit his petitions today for the Republican nomination in the 9^th District. Wolfe was disappointed he cannot file today but will be in Springfield to do so Dec. 23.

Dold, who has continually said if the current map is upheld he will run in the 10^th District, had no comment on the court order. He has been circulating petitions and readying his campaign.

Three of the four candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge Dold have indicated the court decision changes nothing for them. They are Deerfield management consultant Brad Schneider, Waukegan community organizer Ilya Sheyman and Long Grove business owner John Tree.

“Our field operation had completed far more petitions than we'll ever need to comfortably ensure our ballot position before the original filing deadline,” Sheyman said. Schneider said he has had more than enough signatures for some time. Tree has a sufficient number as well.

The fourth candidate, Mundelein attorney Vivek Bavda, could not be reached for comment.

Filing Starts Today for Other Offices

In campaigns for the Illinois General Assembly, state Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) will be in Springfield today to file his petition to replace retiring state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston). Northfield Township Clerk Laura Fine of Glenview plans to run for the seat held by Biss.

In the race to replace retiring state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), West Deerfield Township Supervisor Julie Morrison will turn in her paperwork for the Democratic nomination. Highland Park pediatrician Arie Friedman of Highland Park will do the same for the Republican nod.

Milton Sumption of Lake Bluff has also been circulating petitions for the Democratic nomination but has not returned calls to Patch to confirm he will run.

In another open seat competition for the spot being vacated by state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), Highwood attorney Scott Drury plans to file paperwork for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, a pair of candidates from Lake Forest, Lauren Turelli and Mark Neerhof, will file.