Primary battles emerge in DuPage County

There's a bad moon on the rise this Feb. 5 if you're an incumbent politician.

Multiple primary battles on both the Democratic and Republican fronts are emerging in DuPage and Will counties.

And many of those conflicts surfaced on Monday, the last day to file petitions.

The most crowded races appear to be for the DuPage County Board.

And the hottest contest is in District 2, where five Republicans signed up for two spots, including three people who jumped into the fray Monday.

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That contest will pit incumbents Pat O'Shea and Brien Sheahan against Lombard Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick plus Anna Manzo of Oak Brook and Michael Soldwisch of Glen Ellyn.

There are GOP primary battles in every county board region except for District 1.

But the Democrats are picking up the slack there with a trio of candidates -- Michael Braun and Rita Gonzalez of Addison and James Sivisoglu of Elmhurst -- seeking two seats.

With the county board split on numerous issues including the budget crisis, Democrats who aren't running for office are expected to take advantage of the GOP primary skirmishes.

Asked the reason for the family feud, DuPage Republican Chairman and state Sen. Dan Cronin called it "par for the course."

"I am someone who believes in debates," Cronin said. "It's better than having a wink and a nod, and having everyone agree you're the chosen candidate."

In federal elections, two Democrats will try to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam in the 6th District. Gov. Rod Blagojevich's former deputy chief of staff for public safety and retired U.S. Army Reserve Col. Jill Morgenthaler is running against Roselle businessman Stan Jagla.

In the 13th District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert faces a challenge from fellow Republican Sean O'Kane of Hinsdale.

Primaries for state elected office also will offer plenty of choices for voters with the pending departure of two state representatives.

Republicans Darlene Senger, a Naperville City Councilman, Will County board member Michael Wisniewski and Aurora resident Michael Bowler will vie for retiring Rep. Joe Dunn's spot in the 96th District.

It's also a three-way GOP race for Rep. Jim Meyer's seat in the 48th District featuring DuPage County Board member Michael Connelly, College of DuPage board member David Carlin and Naperville City Councilman Doug Krause.