The nation first 2010 primary to be held Tuesday in Illinois

Hotly contested races to fill the Governor Seat and soon to be vacant US Senate seat.

With all the big and endorsements from insiders and outsiders of Illinois, the race comes to a decision tomorrow in the nation first 2010 mid-term elections primary. With a corrupted Governor out of office and a sitting US Senator name Roland Burris is not seeking a full term, has caused Illinois to have a very crowded field of candidates.

State Comptroller Dan Hynes is challenging appointed Governor Pat Quinn for the office of Governor; this has been a nasty and heated race between the two. Both candidates are vying for the democratic nomination.
The republican nomination for Governor is up for grabs as well in Illinois. Former state AG Jim Ryan was the early favorite, but he seemed to be relying heavily on name recognition. Former state GOP chair Andy McKenna now has chance to raise his profile via a massive TV ad campaign, and it looks like he may have the late mo'. Kirk Dillard and Billy Brady are looking to peak through the clouds as well.

The United States Senate seat formerly held by now President Barack Obama is up for grabs in Illinois. Current Senator Roland Burris who was appointed by former ousted Governor Rod Blagojevich is not seeking a full term. Three top democratic contenders are vying for the seat, that includes Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, former city Inspector General David Hoffman and Chicago Urban League president Cheryle Jackson.

Stephanie Bell considers run for Congress

State school board member Stephanie Bell of Montgomery says she's seriously considering a run for Congress as a republican, if Bell decides to run she will be the third announced republican to run.

Bell has served on the school board since 1995. Rep. Bobby Bright is serving his first term in congress.

Carol Dobbs Marks to challenge Rep. Merika Coleman for House seat 57

Carol Dobbs Marks announced she is seeking the Alabama House District 57 seat in the June 1 Democratic primary currently held by Rep. Merika Coleman of Hueytown. Carol Marks is a member of the Hueytown City Council and serve as the council president, Mrs. Marks is currently active with several community organization. House District 57 includes portions of Hueytown, Fairfield, Midfield, Brighton and southwest Birmingham.

Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Hueytown, currently holds the District 57 seat. Already some citizens are raising concerns about Councilwoman Marks leadership. This will be an interesting race to watch in the June 1st primary.

Mobile District Attorney John Tyson, Jr. want seek re-election

Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson, Jr. announced at a press conference that he will not seek re-election this year.

Tyson said he had no plans to seek other elected office. He said he intends to spend the next year running the district attorney's office and the task force on illegal gambling that he has been appointed the head of by republican governor Bob Riley.

Tyson would have not have won re-election in Mobile County for another term if he chose to run again, because of the upset in the African American community over his leadership. I really believe that this may have played a factor in his decision not to seek re-election. Only two republican have announced their campaigns for the office of District Attorney, no democrat has come forward to say they are running as of today.

Governor Candidate Bill Johnson and wife to spend night in Birmingham homeless shelters

Johnson said he and his wife want to talk to people struggling with the loss of jobs and homes in the homeless shelters. Johnson plans to spend tonight at the Old Fire House Shelter, and his wife will be at the Lovelady Center.

Bill Johnson is running for Governor of Alabama as a republican in the June Primary. Well Mr. Johnson this is a good way to talk to people who has lost their homes, families, automobiles and etc. However there is many more that’s not in shelters that need their voices heard.

Dean Young running for Alabama Lt. Governor spot

Dean Young a real estate agent and homebuilder announced his candidacy for Lt. Governor of Alabama.

Young served as a fundraiser and spokesman when Roy Moore was campaigning for chief justice and during Moore's legal battle to display the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. Young said his campaign for lieutenant governor has anything to do with and is not associated with former Judge Roy Moore's race. Young is a homebuilder and real estate agent.

This is his second race for state office. He ran unsuccessfully for secretary of state in 2002. Gene Ponder and state Sen. Hank Erwin of Montevallo also is seeking the same spot. I personally believe that this race if it remains at these three will come down to a run-off between Erwin and Young in this republican primary for Lt. Governor. The winner will then go on to face well known Lt. Governor Jim Folsom in the fall.

State Sen. Hank Sanders will seek re-election in 2010

What's behind the not seek and will seek?

Sen. Sanders announced this morning before a crowd in Montgomery at the State House, which he will not retire but instead seek another term. Sanders, has been a member of the Senate since 1983, Sanders chairs the senate committee that drafts the state's education budget.

Last year Sen. Sanders had said that he was considering retiring, now he seeking re-election and has some wondering what changed his mind. The political beacon would keep up with this developing story and bring you more.