Five people have filed applications to become McLean County's top prosecutor. They include four current or former assistant prosecutors in the office.
They applicants are:
- Civil Assistant State's Attorney Jessica Woods
- McLean County Assistant Administrator Don Knapp
- Assistant Prosecutor Mark Messman
- Attorney Jane Foster
- Attorney Chris Gramm
Foster has tried for the office before and was once first assistant state's attorney. Gramm has run for judge and was not elected. Messman is a longtime prosecutor. Knapp was formerly civil assistant state's attorney before taking the assistant administrator position. All are Republicans, as is current State's Attorney Jason Chambers.
McLean County Board Chair John McIntyre allowed only a day for people to file their applications, but it has been known for weeks that Chambers would be stepping down.
All five applicants will speak to the County Board Executive Committee next Tuesday.
Chambers' resignation Aug. 21 allows the McLean County Board to appoint someone to serve until the end of Chambers' official term in 2020.
Applicants for Chambers' seat were required to be a member of the same party as the person they would replacing.
The Illinois Supreme Court selected Chambers in June to become a judge. His appointment takes effect the day of his resignation.
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