Heavy GOP Primaries Set for Will County Board Races

Every seat is up for grabs on the Will County Board next year, and in the Lincoln-Way area there will be contested primaries with GOP-heavy fields.

Monday was the deadline for county candidates to file to appear on the ballot for the March 20, 2012 primary election.

Once every 10 years using U.S. Census data, the Will County Board must redraw the county’s district map so that each district serves about the same number of residents. This year, New Lenox and Mokena were split from Frankfort in the reshuffling.

The county increased the number of districts from nine to 13 but cut the overall number of representatives to 26, down one from the current makeup. In the primary elections, voters will select two candidates.

Here's a breakdown of the county elections:

District 2

Who it represents: Residents in Frankfort, Manhattan, Tinley Park and some unincoporated areas.

Who's running: There are six candidates, five of whom are Republicans. Current County Board Chairman Jim Moustis, of Frankfort, will run for re-election. David Izzo, of Tinley Park, was recently appointed to the county board to replace Laurie Smith, and Izzo will also look to stay on the board.

Four challengers from Frankfort also filed for election: Republicans William Burfeind, Angela Dell and Tuck Marshall filed, as did Democrat Victor Jonathan of Tinley Park.

District 12

Who it represents: Residents in Mokena, New Lenox and a small part of Orland Park.

Who's running: Incumbent Tom Weigel (R-New Lenox) will run for re-election against three other Republicans. New Lenox Village Board member Ray Tuminello, Lincoln-Way 210 board member Chris Kosel and Frankfort Township member Margo McDermed will challenge him for the spot.

Some Lincoln-Way precincts are in other territories. For a full breakdown of candidates who filed, see the attached PDF.

The county-wide positions will be largely uncontested during the primaries and instead come down to one candidate from each party during the general election.

• Circuit clerk: Republican New Lenox resident Marlene Carlson will take on Democratic incumbent Pam McGuire of Joliet. They are the only candidates from their respective parties to file for this seat, so there will be no primary.
• Recorder of deeds: Democrat Karen Stukel, of Channahon, and Laurie McPhillips (R-Plainfield) filed.
• State's attorney: Dave Carlson (R-Plainfield) will face off against James Glasgow (D-Plainfield).
• Auditor: Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) was the only person to file for this seat from the Republicans while Duffy Blackburn (D-Joliet) also filed.
• Coroner: Charles Lyons (R-Channahon) will go up against incumbent Patrick O'Neil (D-Lockport).
• Executive: Current County Board member Cory Singer (R-Frankfort) will have a general election against incumbent Larry Walsh (D-Elwood) or Leonard Thompson Jr. (D-Joliet).