Ballot position chosen for Kane County board race

According to conventional political wisdom, incumbents have an advantage over challengers in an election. So do candidates whose names appear first on the ballot.

Considering only those two criteria, the Republican primary for Kane County Board chairman would be a toss-up. Challenger Jim MacRunnels secured the top ballot position in a lottery held Tuesday at the county clerk's office. Chairman Karen McConnaughay will be listed second.

McConnaughay won the top ballot spot during her first run for the chairmanship four years ago, but it was of little consequence because her two GOP opponents dropped out of the race before the primary.

Incumbent GOP Kane County Board members Mark Davoust, who represents District 14, and Jan Carlson, who represents District 26, also drew the top spots over their opponents, Tina Yagla and Drew Frasz, respectively.

The 14th District includes parts of St. Charles and Geneva townships west of the Fox River.

The 26th District is geographically the largest of the 26 board districts, encompassing most of unincorporated Blackberry, Kaneville and Big Rock townships and all or part of the villages of Maple Park, Elburn, Big Rock and Sugar Grove.

Two Republicans also filed simultaneously last week for the District 20 seat. Richard Bennett's name will appear first on the ballot, followed by Larry Wegman. Both are hoping to unseat Democrat Jesus de la Isla of Elgin in the general election.

The 20th District comprises a part of Elgin's east side.

A lottery for simultaneous filings in state and congressional races is scheduled at 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield.