Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) announced late Monday that the special election to replace former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who resigned last week, will be held on March 8 following a special primary on Feb. 5, which coincides with the state’s regular primary day.

The governor’s office had not disclosed the filing deadline for the special election by Roll Call press time Monday evening, and it was not immediately clear whether the candidates who already are competing to replace Hastert in the 111th Congress would also run in the special election to fill the remainder of his term.

On the Republican side, the leading candidates are state Sen. Chris Lauzen and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis. And while the exurban Chicago 14th district leans Republican, national Democrats are high on their likely nominee, millionaire scientist Bill Foster.

— Josh Kurtz