Because Illinois is so awesome at electing qualified legislators, we get to do it twice this year.
There will be no primary for the special senate election to fill out the remainder of Roland Burris' term, U.S. District Court Judge John Grady ruled today.
The special election will take place Nov. 2nd, and the winners of the February primary (Kirk, Giannoulias) and those who otherwise qualify for the ballot (see below) will be the candidates.
Grady stipulated the following:
- No primary necessary
- Candidates placed on the ballot "must be limited to a manageable number and should be chosen, not arbitrarily, but for having demonstrated a measure of popular support for the office of U.S. Senator."
- Candidates will be primary winners and independent candidates who have filed nomination petitions and who meet the signature and other applicable requirements to participate in the race for the full six-year U.S. Senate term.
- Special election choice will appear after the general election choice.
- Burris stays in the seat until the newly elected candidate takes the oath of office.
Whomever wins the special election will serve from Nov. 3rd to Jan. 3rd.
The ruling comes after Gov. Quinn filed paperwork last week requesting a special election to fill the last 60 days of President Obama's former seat.
