Mike Boland down the ballot and down the state
State Representative Mike Boland filed his nominating petitions for Lieutenant Governor Monday. He's the only downstate Democrat running for statewide office in 2010. He filed petitions with signatures from every county in the state. I haven't heard of another candidate doing that this year.
Three Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor filed their petitions close to the deadline. Most campaigners think being first on the ballot will earn a candidate extra votes, but if you're not listed first, being last in a crowded field may help too. So, three Democratic Lt Gov campaigns played a game of chicken at the Board of Elections office to see who would file last without missing the 5:00pm deadline.
Candidate Scott Cohen was there in person and filed late in the day at 4:45. Thomas Castillo probably thought he was the last to file when he rushed in after Cohen at 4:49. They may not have noticed when they walked right by the unassuming volunteer for Boland's campaign who filed after them at 4:51. Mike Boland will be the last name on the ballot.