League of Women Voters of Naperville Democratic Primary Candidates Forum for US 11th Congressional District

As Election Year 2012 opens, Naperville’s political maps are changing.  As a result of redistricting based on the 2010 census, Naperville residents are now divided among three U.S. Congressional Districts: the 6th, the 11th, and the 14th.  Voters should consult their Will or DuPage County election authorities or the State Board of Elections to determine their state and federal legislative districts for the upcoming primary and general elections.

Much of Naperville is in the 11th District.  Thus, the League of Women Voters of Naperville, together with the North Central College Student Government Association, will sponsor a District 11 Democratic Primary Candidates’ Forum on Friday, February 24, at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College campus, for candidates seeking the Democratic Congressional nomination.   There will be no Republican primary contest in the 11th District.

All three contenders for the Democratic nomination have agreed to be present.  Former U.S. Representative Bill Foster of Naperville, former Aurora Township Clerk Juan Thomas, and President of the Orland Fire Protection District Jim Hickey will join moderator Lori Miller from the Wheaton LWV to outline their views for voters. The forum, which will be presented in LWV’s non-partisan format, will provide an opportunity for written questions from the audience.

For the Republicans, Judy Biggert, Republican incumbent in the current 13th Congressional District, is unopposed in the Primary for the new 11th District nomination.  Two other Republican contenders were disqualified because of challenges to their petition signatures. 

Also of interest to Naperville residents: The Elgin and Kane County Leagues  are hosting a forum for candidates running for the 14th Congressional District at the Batavia Public Library  on Thursday, February 23, from 6 to 9 pm. [20 South Batavia Ave., Batavia 60510;  630-879-7313]

For details about the February 24 Forum and other non-partisan voter information, links to more information about the new legislative districts, contact Annette Smith, LWV Voter Service Chair, or visit the Naperville League website, www.lwvnaperville.org