Politicians file petitions for primary

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - It's time for Illinois politicians to stop just talking about a run for office and start the formal process of getting on the ballot.

Monday was the first day for candidates to file for the primary election in February. Statewide candidates have to submit at least 5,000 valid signatures to qualify.

Hundreds of politicians and their aides lined up outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield so they could be there when the doors opened at 8 a.m. Anyone in line then is entered in a lottery for the chance to be listed first on the ballot in their races.

Several Republican candidates for governor showed up to submit their petitions personally. Democrats Dan Hynes and Pat Quinn sent aides to file the paperwork.