By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – It appears no one will challenge McLean County State’s Attorney Don Knapp in next year’s election.
Monday was the deadline to file nominating petitions for candidates, and Knapp was the only person to file the required paperwork for his name to placed on the ballot.
Knapp is a Republican. County Board Chairman John McIntyre appointed him in August of last year to replace Jason Chambers, who became a circuit judge.
It was a goal of McLean County Democratic Party Chair Erik Rankin to run a full slate of Democrats for all county-wide offices. Rankin is challenging Republican incumbent Don Everhart for circuit clerk, while Democrat Abbi Sorrrells is running against Republican incumbent Kathy Yoder for McLean County Coroner.
There’s a crowded field of candidates for McLean County Auditor. Incumbent Michelle Anderson filed nominating petitions on the Republican side. She’s opposed in the March 17 GOP primary by Trisha Malott, who has the support of Republican leaders including McIntrye, Knapp, Sheriff Jon Sandage, and County Clerk Kathy Michael.
Democrat Robert Fazzini and Libertarian Kevin Woodard are also running for the auditor’s post.
Barring a petition challenge, there will be a primary on the Republican side to replace retiring County Board member William Caisley in District 4, which includes northwest Normal. Steve Harsh of Normal filed petition signatures Monday for his name to be placed on the March primary ballot to face Adelita Cruz, who has Caisley’s endorsement.
The only Democrat in District 4 is Benjamin Webb, who lost last year to Dan Brady for the State Representative’s seat in the 105th Legislative District.
Here’s a list of all candidates who filed nominating papers by Monday’s deadline to run for county offices or seats on the McLean County Board:
FOR CIRCUIT CLERK
Don Everhart – (R) (Incumbent)
Erik Rankin – (D)
FOR STATE’S ATTORNEY
Don Knapp – (R) (Incumbent)
FOR COUNTY AUDITOR
*Michelle L. Anderson – (R) (Incumbent)
*Trisha P. Malott – (R)
Robert B. Fazzini – (D)
Kevin Woodard – (L)
FOR COUNTY CORONER
Kathy Yoder – (R) (Incumbent)
Abbi Sorrells – (D)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 1
Catherine Metsker – (R) (Incumbent)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 2
William Friedrich – (R) (Incumbent)
Jeff Bertrand – (D)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 3
George O. Wendt – (R) (Incumbent)
R.J. McCracken – (D)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 4
Adelita Cruz – (R)
Benjamin Webb – (D)
Steve Harsh – (R)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 5
John D. McIntyre – (R) (Incumbent)
Rachael Lund – (D)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 6
George J. Gordon – (D) (Incumbent)
Hannah Beer – (D)
David Scarpelli – (L)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 7
Jacob Beard – (R) (Incumbent)
Val Laymon – (D)
Darin George Kaeb – (L)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 8
*Lea Cline – (D)
*Nathan “Chiko” Russo – (D)
Jordan Baker – (R)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 9
Susan Schafer – (R) (Incumbent)
Jacilyn (Jackie) Gunderson – (D)
FOR COUNTY BOARD 10
Josh W. Barnett – (R) (Incumbent)
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
