MARION COUNTY — And the races are on. Candidates throughout Illinois began filing their nomination petitions yesterday, with local candidates arriving early Monday morning at the Marion County Clerk’s Office.

Attorney Bill J. Milner was first to arrive, submitting his nomination packet for State’s Attorney, earning him top placement on the ballot against fellow Republican attorney Tim Hudspeth.

Democrat Patty Brough is the only candidate so far running for Supervisor of Assessments in Marion County, while three candidates filed petitions for county board seats.

Incumbent Greg Smith filed for reelection in District 3, John Lynch filed for District 4, and Adam Smith for District 5.

For state-level office, Salem Republican John Cavaletto filed in Springfield for reelection to the House of Representatives, and Okawville Republican Charlie Meier filed for reelection to his seat in the House.

With two seats available in the Fifth District Appellate Court, Jo Beth Weber, of Mt. Vernon, has filed as a Democrat to replace Justice James Wexstten, and Brad Bleyer, of Carbondale, filed as a Democrat to replace Justice Bruce Stewart.

At the federal level, Republican incumbent Congressman John Shimkus filed his petitions of nomination and Republican State Senator Kyle McCarter filed his petitions, seeking to challenge the long-time representative.

Both Shimkus and McCarter were in line at 8 a.m. at the State Board of elections, so a lottery will need to be held to decide their ballot placement in the March primary.

Candidates may continue filing nomination petitions through next Monday, but the courthouse will be closed both Thursday and Friday in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.