Danny K. Davis, the seven-term Democratic representative of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, appears likely to run in 2010 for a key local office. And other Democrats in his Chicago-based party stronghold are starting to take that intention seriously by moving toward entering what likely would be a crowded February primary contest.

Darlena Williams-Burnett — chief deputy recorder of deeds for Cook County and a member of the party’s state central committee — is the first candidate to file paperwork to launch a campaign and start raising money for the 7th District seat.

The Federal Election Commission this week processed a statement of organization for Williams-Burnett, who is married to Walter Burnett Jr., a Chicago alderman.

And Williams-Burnett undoubtedly won’t be the last entry if Davis does leave the House seat open.