Challengers file petitions on deadline for March primary

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A Democratic lawmaker has filed petitions to challenge longtime Secretary of State Jesse White in the Illinois primary.

Sen. Michael Hastings of Tinley Park said Monday that he has respect for White but thinks he'll make a good secretary of state. He was unsure if White was going to seek a sixth term and will "wait and see" before making a final decision.

However, White's campaign director Rocco Claps says there's no doubt White is running.

Gov. Bruce Rauner also officially has a primary challenger with state Rep. Jeanne Ives filing petitions.

She supported Rauner's campaign in 2014, but says Illinois needs a new path after Rauner signed measures including providing state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions.

Rauner says he's in the best position to win the general election, dismissing Ives as a "fringe" candidate.