The Green Party is one of three ballot-qualified parties in Illinois.  In 2010, the Green Party will have the opportunity to run candidates for every partisan race in the state, including U.S. Senator, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and State Comptroller; all 19 U.S. House seats; 20 Illinois Senate seats; all 118 Illinois House seats; and hundreds of county-level office, including County Clerk, County Treasurer, and County Sheriff in most counties, and about half of all County Board seats across the state.

In 2008, 56 Green candidates appeared on the ballot somewhere in Illinois.  For 2010, we would like to double that number.  We are hoping to field a full slate of statewide candidates, candidates in most congressional races, candidates in at least 20% of all state legislative races, and dozens of candidates for county office!

Given the perpetual state of corruption in Springfield, the perpetual failure of Washington to end the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan and to even consider Single Payer Health Care, and so many other problems at all levels of governance, it is critical that Greens challenge the status quo – by challenging status quo candidates.

At the July 18-19 meeting in Champaign, there will be much discussion about petitioning, fundraising, and more.  Prospective candidates for all offices are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting and the workshops offered at the meeting, and to interact with other Greens who may be in a position to provide volunteer or financial support.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR STATEWIDE OFFICE, you will need to submit a relevant questionnaire to Phil Huckelberry, Illinois Green Party Chair.  To be considered for recognition as an official Green candidate, you will need to submit your questionnaire by the time of the July 18-19 meeting, and preferably by July 1.  The Illinois Green Party will only recognize candidates who are party members.

For U.S. Senate, use the Federal Questionnaire:  pdf txt

For Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, or Comptroller, use the State Questionnaire:  pdf txt

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR CONGRESS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY, OR COUNTY/LOCAL OFFICE, you can similarly submit a questionnaire, either to Phil Huckelberry or to your local party.  Local party organizations generally recognize candidates for offices that are not statewide.  There is not a fixed deadline to submit such questionnaires, but petitioning begins in early August, so they should be submitted soon.

For U.S. House, use the Federal Questionnaire:  pdf txt

For Illinois General Assembly, use the State Questionnaire:  pdf txt

For county and other local offices, use the General Questionnaire:  pdf txt

Candidates should be aware of what expectations rank and file Greens will have for their campaigns, and about what can be expected in terms of party, volunteer, and financial support.  All of these things will vary based on the size of the office, the strength of the local party, and other circumstances particular to the race.  We want to help candidates determine what the best office to run for might be and what running for office will consist of – so do not hesitate to contact us!

If you have any questions about running for office, please do not hesitate to contact your local party, or email Phil Huckelberry or call him at 309-268-9974.