Lake County Democrats wait to hear if they'll stay on the ballot
Four Democratic candidates for the Lake County Board must wait until at least Thursday to learn if they'll stay on the November ballot.
Hearings into the validity of their candidacies began Monday afternoon but were continued for three days so attorneys can review newly filed court documents, including requests to dismiss the objections.
The candidates under the microscope are:
• Mark Nielsen of Round Lake Beach. He's running for the 3rd District seat held by Republican Suzi Schmidt.
• Steve Pearson of Ingleside. He's seeking the 5th District seat held by Republican Bonnie Thomson Carter.
• Sari Hurtig of Mundelein. She's running for the 10th District post held by Republican Diana O'Kelly.
• Davita Siegel of Buffalo Grove. She's trying to unseat Republican David Stolman in the 20th District.
Supporters of the GOP incumbents filed formal objections to the Democratic candidacies last week in Lake County circuit court.
The objectors claimed all four Democrats' campaigns are invalid because they weren't nominated by committees of local precinct representatives, as required by law, among other inconsistencies.
The cases will be heard by a three-member county electoral board led by County Clerk Willard Helander.
The next hearings are set to begin at 1 p.m. Thursday on the 10th floor of the county government center in Waukegan.
In all, 15 county board seats are up for election Nov. 4. All the posts carry 4-year terms.