Jackson, Ryan join hunt

SPRINGFIELD – A former aide to Gov. Rod Blagojevich officially has signed up to run for office, and so has a former Blagojevich opponent.

Cheryle Jackson filed the paperwork Monday to run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate next year. She was Blagojevich’s spokeswoman through most of his first term.

Blagojevich won that first term by defeating Jim Ryan, who is taking another shot at the governor’s office. The former attorney general is joining the crowded field of Republicans seeking the nomination for governor.

Monday was the final day for candidates to submit petitions to get on the Feb. 2 primary ballot.