By Kevin Lee 217-528-9604

SPRINGFIELD  — Most lawmakers get a free ride on the primary ballot.

David Morrison with the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform says sometimes voter choice is constrained during the election period.

012010DavidMorrison1                                              :24.5                                            …voice that through the ballot.”

139 seats in the General Assembly will be on a ballot this year.

But more than 76 percent of those seats are held by lawmakers who won’t face a primary challenge.

15 percent of sitting lawmakers do have primary opponents, while 9 percent of seats are open because a lawmaker is retiring or running for another office.

Morrison says that the early February primary forces individuals to mobilize their campaigns just months after lawmakers take office.

Voters have their say on the primary election on February 2.

By Kevin Lee 217-528-9604

SPRINGFIELD  — Most state lawmakers don’t have to worry about the primary election.

That’s because they don’t have any opponents.

139 seats in the General Assembly are on the primary ballot.

But more than 76 percent of those seats are held by lawmakers who won’t face a primary challenge.

15 percent of sitting lawmakers do have primary opponents, while 9 percent of seats are open because a lawmaker is retiring or running for another office.

David Morrison with the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform says during an election, only half of state lawmakers face any opponent.

Morrison adds that lawmakers benefit from fundraising advantages and face time with voters.

Political challengers also have to work quickly to mobilize their campaign before the early February primary.

Voters decide on their party’s candidates in the primary election, which takes place on February 2.