14th Congressional District candidate keeps ballot spot

Mysterious congressional candidate Michael Dilger is likely to remain on the primary election ballot after a state elections official recommended quashing objections to his nominating petitions this week.

Dilger, an Evanston resident who has yet to speak publicly about his campaign or respond to questions from the media, is one of four men seeking the Republican nomination to represent the 14th Congressional District.

Local conservative political operative Jon Zahm, a volunteer on state Sen. Chris Lauzen's campaign, was one of the two objectors to claim that many of the signatures on Dilger's petition are invalid, putting him below the minimum amount needed to run for the office.

In a three-page report issued Thursday, Illinois State Board of Elections hearing officer Kelly McCloskey Cherf recommended that the full board reject that objection on a technicality. Cherf stated that the objectors should have identified the specific objection for each signature in an attachment to their objection petition.

Zahm pledged to appeal the decision at the electoral board hearing next week.

"My view on Dilger is that he will not influence the outcome of this race either way, but he is a nuisance who is trying to make a mockery of this election," Zahm said. "He offers no substance or qualifications to run or serve."

Also running in the GOP primary are dairy magnate and millionaire Jim Oberweis and Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns. The primary is Feb. 5.

A special primary election and a special general election also will be held to fulfill the remainder of Dennis Hastert's term. The Plano Republican and former speaker of the House retired Monday.