No challenger for Quigley in primary

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Mike Quigley

Updated: January 30, 2012 10:16AM

Incumbent congressman Mike Quigley, D-5th, can relax until after the March primary.

No Democrat had filed to run against Quigley in the March primary by the filing deadline Tuesday evening, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections website. One Republican, Dan Schmitt of Chicago, had filed in the Republican primary.

Schmitt, of Chicago’s North Side, is 62 years old and self-employed, according to his website www.schmittforillinois.com. He grew up in the Albany Park neighborhood and attended St. George’s High School in Evanston.

Schmitt could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

Quigley was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2009, taking over the 5th district from Rahm Emanuel, who was tapped as chief of staff for President Barack Obama.

Chicagoan Quigley began his political career as an aide to 44th Ward Alderman Bernie Hansen. Quigley was elected to the 10th district of the Cook County Board, where he served more than 20 years.

Quigley earned a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Loyola University, according to his website www.quigleyforcongress.com.

He sits on the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He lives in Lakeview.

The fifth congressional district contains Elmwood Park, River Grove, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, parts of Melrose Park and Stone Park and a good chunk of the North Side of Chicago. It also includes Oak Brook and Hinsdale within its boundaries.