Some Republicans say Illinois could play a significant role in the GOP presidential nomination process - even though it’s late in the primary calendar.
In most modern presidential cycles - the nominee is usually clear by the time Illinoisians cast their ballots in March.
But Pat Brady - the former chairman of the state’s Republican Party - thinks there may not be one frontrunner in 2016 - and he says Illinois could be more of a factor.
Brady warns that Illinois requires candidates to get a high number of signatures from across the state - making it hard for them to even get on the ballot.
BRADY: I think a lot of the top candidates will be on the ballot and have a full slate of delegates, but probably not all of them.
Candidates have to turn in signatures after the first of the year - which should give voters insight into the candidates with a strong Illinois organization.
