Aurora rep leaving Kane board
Arlene Shoemaker's second stint on the Kane County Board will soon come to an end, but this fan of the forest preserves plans to continue her work.

Kane judiciary over budget, too
The heads of two Kane County public safety and court offices, expected to go over budget before the end of the year, now likely will have to go hat in hand to the county board for more money.

Kane board vet won't seek re-election
One of the Kane County Board's longest-serving members has pulled his hat out of the ring for February's primary election. Republican Rob McConnaughay of Geneva has withdrawn his name from the ballot in County Board District 11, which encompasses the city itself.

No challengers for Kendall's top spots
It will be no contest for the incumbent sheriff, clerk and treasurer in Kendall County, but a pitched battle over five seats on the County Board.

2010 primary election ballots take shape
The deadline has come and gone, and after a flurry of last-minute filings, the ballot for next year's elections has taken shape.

Jim Ryan returns to run for Ill. governor
Former Illinois attorney general and DuPage County state's attorney Jim Ryan formally launched another campaign for governor Tuesday, seven years after leaving politics following a loss to Rod Blagojevich. Ryan served two terms as attorney general but lost the governor's race to Blagojevich in 2002.

DuPage County races draw cast of dozens
With the primary less than three months away, more than three dozen residents rallied supporters and launched bids for elective office in DuPage County by the 5 p.m. filing deadline Monday.

GOP candidates line up in droves
What in the name of Ronald Reagan is going on? Kane County's long Republican dominance has the look and feel of disarray, if perception is reality going toward 2010.

Darlene Senger announces she will run again
State Rep. Darlene Senger on Thursday announced her campaign for re-election. The former Naperville city council woman, whose district includes the far East Side of Aurora, was first elected in 2008.

Candidates, surprises and no-shows on first filing day
Monday was the first day of the filing period for the 2010 elections, but while election authorities were open and accepting petitions all day, they really only needed the first few minutes.

Those who filed Monday
The following are the candidates who filed Monday for the 2010 election.

Local candidates stepping forward
Even the most astute voter might have been a little surprised to see candidates for governor showing up in TV ads before Halloween this year. After all, the primary election for state seats, county offices and the local Congressional District isn't until next Feb. 2 -- Groundhog Day, a somewhat befitting coincidence because, frankly, didn't some of these folks just get elected?

Former Aurora alderman drops congressional bid
Update w/ details: As the race for Congress in the 14th District continues to heat up, one candidate has decided to get out of the kitchen. Former Aurora Alderman Bill Cross has decided not to seek the GOP nomination for Congress from the 14th Congressional District.

2 join race for 16th Circuit judge seats
Two men well known in the local legal community have joined the race for 16th Circuit judge. Leonard Wojtecki and Fred Morelli are seeking separate seats in the judicial circuit, which serves Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties.

Lauzen to seek re-election; may face challenge
State Sen. Chris Lauzen confirmed this week that he will run for re-election next year. But he may also have a Republican challenger, as Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels said he is mulling a run at the seat himself. Michels said he is still debating stepping into the race, but is circulating petitions for the February GOP primary for the 25th Senate District.