Update: Schakowsky Draws Primary Challenger, Another Democrat to Vie for Dold Seat

Update (5 p.m.). Simon Ribeiro of Evanston filed nominating petitions today to enter the March 20 Democratic primary against Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston).
 
In the 10th District, one more Democrat, Aloys Rutagwibira of Hainesville, submitted paperwork to enter the primary making it a five candidate field seeking the right to face Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) in the Nov. 6 general election.

(Earlier: 6 a.m.) Four Democrats hoping to represent the newly redrawn 10th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives along with person they hope to replace, , filed petitions Friday securing a place on the March 20 primary ballot. 

In the 9th District, submitted paperwork to seek an eighth term while two Republicans, Arlington Heights accountant Timothy Wolfe and Susanne Atanus of Des Plaines, seek an opportunity to unseat Schakowsky in the Nov. 6 general election.

Neither Schakowsky nor Dold have primary opponents at this point. All petitions must be filed by 5 p.m. today. Candidates for all other offices filed earlier this month. A f because of a challenge to the new map.

The new 9th district now includes all of Winnetka, Kenilworth and Wilmette. More of Glenview and less of Morton Grove is part of the new boundaries as well as portions of Northbrook and Northfield. Schakowsky looks forward to meeting her new constituents. 

“I'm glad to be officially filed to run for re-election and look forward to meeting with and learning from the residents and leaders in the areas new to the 9th district,” Schakowsky said. 

The redrawn 10th District now encompasses parts of Morton Grove and all of Grayslake. Winnetka, Kenilworth and Wilmette are no longer part of it. The rest of the area is largely unchanged. 

Dold also appears to be free of a primary opponent but Waukegan community organizer , Deerfield management consultant , Mundelein attorney and Long Grove business owner promise to provide a spirited Democratic primary. 

Sheyman and Bavda are pleased with the results of their efforts to land on the ballot while Schneider and Tree took the opportunity to criticize Dold and the House Republican majority. 

“Voters are sick and tired of the partisan theatrics of House Republicans who never seem to miss an opportunity to create gridlock and stick it our middle class families,” Tree said. “I am running for Congress so our residents have a new voice and real leadership to create lasting economic growth"

Schneider was grateful for the volunteers who helped gather signatures for him and critical of the actions of House Republicans last week before finally agreeing to an extension of the payroll tax holiday and long term unemployment benefits.

“Thousands of people helped put our campaign on the ballot,” Schneider said. “They are tired of being hurt by the dangerous political games waged by Tea Party Republicans leaving thousands of middle class families wondering if they were going to take yet another hit in the wallet.”

Bavda put his focus on education and the economy rather than criticism of Republicans. “Filing is another step forward on our way to creating jobs and making education a civil right.  I look forward to a campaign of substance,” he said.

Sheyman, who got his start in politics organizing support for the Health Care Reform Act for MoveOn.org, gave credit to the grass roots support he has developed since he began his campaign.

“Our 450 volunteers got more than five times the signatures we need to be on the ballot,” Sheyman said. “This is a testament to the organization we have built to carry us through March and November.”