Only two names to appear on GOP ballot in Foster's district

Former Defense Department employee Mark Vargas (R) has filed to withdraw his name from the ballot in the Republican primary to face Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.).

Vargas said he would drop out of the race this week and endorse attorney Ethan Hastert. But state Sen. Randy Hultgren’s campaign thought he might try to remain on the ballot to play spoiler for Hultgren’s outsider candidacy. Hultgren sent a public letter to Vargas late Tuesday asking him to withdraw.

State Board of Elections spokesman Ken Menzel now tells The Hill that Vargas filed the paperwork Wednesday morning to get his name off the ballot. Since no part of the district has yet started printing ballots, Vargas doesn’t appear as thought he will be on any of them.

First-time candidate Jeff Danklefsen also filed to remove his name from the ballot Wednesday morning. Danklefsen’s exit was announced by Hultgren’s campaign.

What began as a five-man primary is now down to Hastert and Hultgren. Republicans fear the race could open up the wounds that were on display in last year’s special election primary between state Sen. Chris Lauzen and eventual nominee Jim Oberweis.