Rockford Ald. Linda McNeely knocked off congressional primary ballot. Here's why

ROCKFORD — Ald. Linda McNeely has been disqualified from the June 28 Democratic primary, derailing her bid to succeed U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos in Congress.

A pair of Rockford area women had filed objections to the nominating petitions of McNeely, the longtime alderwoman of Rockford's 13th Ward, in addition to those of Jacqueline McGowan of Palos Hills and Marsha Williams of Channahon.

Although the objections of the other two candidates were overruled, the objection against McNeely's petitions were sustained by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

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McNeely announced her campaign to run for the 17th Congressional District seat being vacated by Bustos in January.

The newly-drawn district covers parts of Rockford, Freeport, Rock Island and Moline, Galesburg, Peoria and Bloomington.

She had hoped her campaign could benefit from a crowded field of Democratic candidates and that her experience as a seven-term alderwoman would serve her well in Washington D.C.

McNeely did not immediately respond to phone and text messages seeking comment.

Jeff Kolkey: (815) 987-1374; jkolkey@rrstar.com; @jeffkolkey

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford Ald. Linda McNeely knocked off congressional primary ballot