Two Democratic congressional candidates in the 11th District will have to wait until Thursday to find out if they will be knocked off the March 15 primary ballot.
After a hearing Monday, the State Board of Elections decided to check the validity of the nominating petitions of Marty Gleason and Dan Kennedy Jr., both of Joliet.
Ronald Michaelson, executive director of the state board, said their candidacies have been challenged by William Barrett, a third Democrat in the field of seven.
Barrett challenged about 100 of Gleason’s signatures and protested that six of his nominating petitions had not been notarized as required. Barrett estimated that if his objections are upheld, Gleason would fall about 15 signatures short of the necessary 542.
Barrett also challenged Kennedy’s candidacy, citing a technical violation on the statement of candidacy. He also challenged 150 signatures on the petitions, which, if upheld, would leave Kennedy 52 signatures short.
If both challenges are successful, Barrett, a business tax consultant, would be the only remaining Democratic candidate from Will County.
Will County constitutes the largest part of the district, which also includes parts of Cook, Grundy, Kankakee and LaSalle Counties.
Michaelson said he anticipated the board would issue a ruling Thursday.
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