Schneider Primary Foe Dropped From Ballot

Arlene Hickory of Lake Bluff, who planned challenge Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) for the Democratic nomination for Congress was dropped from the primary ballot today by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Hickory’s departure from the 10th Congressional District race clears the way for a rematch of the 2010 general election campaign between Schneider and former Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth). The two waged an expensive and close contest in 2012.

Dold, who strove to establish a record as a moderate Republican during his two-years in the House of Representatives, has already distanced himself from decisions made by Republican leadership as he gears up regain his seat.

Schneider pledged to try to break the gridlock in Washington the night he was elected in November, 2012, and has made an effort to work with members of both parties. He has introduced bipartisan legislation on economic and foreign policy issues.

Both Dold and Schneider have begun to amass a war chest for their 2014 contest. As of the last available report on Oct. 15, Schneider had $679,000 in the Bank and Dold has $819 cash on hand.