We admit it.

We are local political junkies.

We follow the maneuvering and deals, the political organizations and simmering rivalries like a rabid sport fan.

We want the nitty gritty.

And there’s no better place to get your fix of local politics than the feisty state house races heating up in neighborhoods in and around the Loop.

In the 5th District, for example, incumbent Representative Ken Dunkin is facing his first primary challengers in three election cycles.

The 10th District features two credible challengers in Jonathan Goldman and Eddie Winters to longtime incumbent Annazette Collins.

The 9th District primary, for readers in parts of the West Loop, Near West Side and Pilsen, features powerful puppet masters battling for control.

Think U.S. versus the Soviet Union in the Middle East 40 years ago.

You’ve got Rep. Art Turner backing his son, who is also named Art Turner, for the seat.

State Sen. Rickey Hendon has thrown his support behind Dorothy Walton, a Realtor who grew up in Cabrini-Green.

Oh, and Turner and Hendon are both competing for the lieutenant governor’s seat, a race that Turner is likely to win. Hendon seems to be running against him out of spite, mostly.

Please, readers. Dig into this feast.

Look, we know we are indulging our political addiction in describing these races as we do.

Thanks for that.

The issues in Springfield are real. And depressing.

State government is in utter shambles, as many know. The General Assembly is staring down a $13 billion budget deficit and tens of billions of dollars in unfunded pension obligations for retiring state workers.

A campaign finance bill Gov. Quinn signed into law last year is a decent-bordering-on-mediocre first step to reigning in how candidates fund their elections.

And the sclerotic reign of Speaker Mike Madigan shows no sign of abating.

Please read our preview of the Feb. 2 primary election carefully. Review candidates’ Web sites. Give their offices a call: ask if they support a stronger campaign finance bill. Demand specifics on how they would fix the budget hole. Check out Enrique Perez’s candidates’ day in Printers Row on Jan. 30.

Don’t miss this election. It’s crucial. And wildly entertaining.

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By sside59 from bridgeport
Posted: 01/27/2010 11:32 AM

Art Turner's son is named Art Turner. Wow talk about a political SCAM. SHADY ART TURNER endorses Art Turner. Its the Turner Ticket, what a joke.. NEPOTISM AT ITS BEST. At least Strogers name was Todd.

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By Mike from UIC
Posted: 01/26/2010 1:40 AM

Be political junkies, but please report on the campaigns as they are, not as you wish they were. I haven't seen a single bit of campaigning from Art Turner II in the 9th district, but I've seen plenty from Keith Jackson, John Burros, and Dorothy Walton. Turner II is deceiving voters, Hendon is a joke and I won't vote for Walton due to her allegiance to him. I'm choosing between John Burros and Keith Jackson, because they're independent and care enough to campaign.

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By PAT J. from LOOP
Posted: 01/21/2010 2:37 PM

Art Turner is boggled down with political baggage and the wrong choice for Democrats. Disappointing choice for CJ, too. Turner's questionable campaign contributions, issues regarding voting for early prisoner release, and political ballot schemes are obvious and unavoidable.

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By Informed Voter from South Loop
Posted: 01/21/2010 11:42 AM

Are you planning to cover the Cook County Board races? I would love to see some more coverage of the 2nd district board race.

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By Pat J from Loop
Posted: 01/21/2010 10:55 AM

Art Turner is campaigning at funerals? www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/2000930,CST-NWS-SNEED20A.article