Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – There is no research to indicate being at the top – or bottom – of the ballot gives candidates an advantage, but one of the political customs in Springfield is to attempt to be first when filing begins at the Illinois State Board of Elections..

Two Chicago area politicians want to join the U.S. House of Representatives. “We’re in immense crisis. I am seeing it as a state senator. I a seeing it with the people I represent,” said State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago), running in the 2nd Congressional District. “My constituents are worried about losing their health care. They’re worried about losing their SNAP benefits.”

“On Tuesday,” said Evanston mayor Daniel Biss, “five people were abducted from the streets of Evanston by marked, armed federal agents. We’re dealing with an emergency, and I am doing everything I can to keep our community safe as mayor, but the urgent fight is in Washington.” Biss is seeking the 9th District seat, which, like the 2nd, is open.

Gov. JB Pritzker and new running mate Christian Mitchell were in line early but had little to say to reporters.

Republican Ted Dabrowski, should he become governor, is likely to be working with a Democrat-ruled General Assembly headed by Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside). “Harmon and Welch should want lower property taxes for all Illinoisans, too,” said Dabrowski, “they should want their kids to be able to read, they should want more job opportunities.”

Board spokesman Matt Dietrich said people were in line starting at 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Everybody in line by 8 a.m. Monday is eligible for a drawing to be first on the ballot.