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Rep. Adam Niemerg Kicked Off March Ballot

An Illinois State Board of Elections hearing officer has recommended removing Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) from the March ballot for failing to notarize one of the required forms.

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Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) has been removed from the March primary ballot.

The State Board of Elections isn’t releasing hearing officer reports ahead of the January 11 ISBE meeting where it will vote to uphold or reject petition challenges.

UPDATE (Tuesday 11:00 P.M.): State Board of Elections documents confirm the recommendation.

UPDATE (Friday 5:00 A.M.): Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) was bounced from the March ballot for not having a notarized statement of candidacy. He was the only candidate on the ballot, so he’s expected to mount a write in campaign.

Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) survived a challenge.

The challenge against former Rep. LaToya Greenwood was withdrawn.

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We reported last month that Niemerg’s petitions had been challenged by a former Vermilion County Democratic Party chair because his “statement of candidacy” form was not notarized, as required by law.

Niemerg, a member of the ultra conservative “House Freedom Caucus,” was elected to the House in 2020.

He did not respond to a message from The Illinoize last night.

Niemerg would likely have to mount a write-in campaign to retain his seat.

Democrats do not have a candidate in the district, which hugs the Indiana line from Danville to Lawrenceville. Donald Trump won the district by 53 points in 2020 (according to illinoiselectiondata.com), so Democrats aren’t expected to compete in the district anyway.

We’re also told former Rep. LaToya Greenwood is likely to survive her petition challenge.

Patrick Pfingsten

@pfingstenshow

patrick@theillinoize.com