Kane Co. Board hopeful off the ballot

The primary election is still more than two months away, but one race has already been decided.

Kane County Board candidate Richard Bennett was removed from the Feb. 5 ballot because of errors on his nominating petitions.

That means challenger Larry Wegman will be running unopposed for the Republican nomination in Elgin-based District 20.

Wegman could not be reached for comment on Monday.

This is Bennett's second political defeat this year.

Running on an anti-illegal immigration platform, he failed to advance in a March primary for an open seat on the Elgin City Council.

Bennett said this latest setback may spell the end of his run in politics.

"I've always been an honest person," Bennett said. "I've lived in Elgin all my life, wanted to do good for Elgin and Kane County. But I think this will be the end of it now."

With Bennett's departure, two-thirds of the field is now set for the November 2008 race in District 20.

Wegman and Green Party Candidate Julie Schmitt will await the winner of the Democratic nomination in the February primary.

On the Democratic side, newcomer Cristina Castro is challenging incumbent Jesus de la Isla of Elgin.

De la Isla, 27, was appointed to the county board last November after former board member Marlena Fox stepped down because of job responsibilities.