Southern Illinois primary ballots weighted toward Democrats

~ But Republicans have their own incentive to get to the polls March 21.

The lists of candidates for county offices in Union and Alexander counties of Southern Illinois point clearly to the dominant role of the Democratic Party in local politics.

In the primary contests on the March 21 ballot, only Democrats have a choice of potential nominees and candidates for every office. That doesn't mean Republicans can't win, but they must often wait for a chance provided by primary contests that leave losers feeling bitter, longtime observers say.

Republicans have their own incentive to get to the polls, however, with a GOP contest for the right to challenge Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the selection of a regional superintendent of schools on their ballot.

Winning a primary in either county doesn't require a huge campaign fund or extensive media advertising, Democratic leaders said. Instead, a winner usually has a history of party involvement, a network of friends and a willingness to work hard.

"It is going door to door, meeting people, letting them see you and making yourself more visible," said Gloria Patton, who is retiring afer more than 20 years as the Alexander County clerk. "You have to let them know who you are."

Along with Patton, Alexander County voters must replace Lewis McRoy, who is stepping down from the county board, and Warren "Buddy" Mitchell, who is giving up the job of sheriff.

There are three candidates to replace Patton. Five Democrats and one Republican are seeking McRoy's job, while three Democrats and one Republican want to be sheriff.

Two incumbents, Treasurer Frances Lee, and Assessor Leslie Matlock, are unopposed for re-election. They are both Democrats.

To the north in Union County, only one Republican -- Steven Hoepker -- has filed for a county office in a bid to become sheriff. Incumbent Jim Nash is stepping aside, and Democrats will chose between his endorsed successor, deputy David Livesay, and Jonesboro police officer David Wilkins.

Two incumbents -- County Clerk Bobby Toler and Treasurer Bobby Myers -- are unopposed on the Democratic ballot while a third, Commissioner Jack Eddleman, faces two challengers.

The rules that apply in Alexander County hold sway in Union County as well, said Union County Democratic chairman Randy Tucker. "You have got to knock on every door and ask for every vote," he said. "People want to be asked to take their time and go out and vote for you."

In races with no candidates, Republicans can still file candidates, Patton said. If the primary winners seem vulnerable, the GOP can add candidates to the ballot after local caucuses in May, she said.

Illinois voters do not register by political party. They may ask for either a Democratic or Republican ballot on primary day, Toler said. Their choice is recorded, but it does not pin them down to that party in future primaries, he said.

Alexander County has about 7,600 registered voters; Union County has a little less than double that amount. Neither clerk anticipates a big turnout for the primary, making the effort to convince voters personally that much more important, they said.

Alexander County will be using new voting machines for the first time on March 21, Patton said. Instead of punch-card ballots, voters will use a touch-screen to make their selections.

And those who wish to do so may vote in advance for the first time in this election, Toler said. That innovation, tried in many areas during the 2004 presidential election, is designed to increase turnout and make voting more convenient.

No date has been set for the start of early voting, Toler said.

The signs sprouting in yards and along highways is the surest sign that the candidates are working to get votes. Yard signs are a signal from supporters of a particular candidate to their neighbors, Tucker said.

And though the signs themselves say little more than a candidate's name, the evidence of support creates a sense of momentum and can be persuasive.

"It is backyard politics, it really is," Tucker said. "You really need to go and meet the people and take a real heavy interest in it."

rkeller@semissourian.com

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