The (Peoria) Journal Star reports that Grimm and Peoria's Sheldon Schafer _ the Green Party candidate for secretary of state _ are criticizing the hoops that outside candidates have to jump through in Illinois to challenge entrenched Democrats and Republicans.
Outsiders need 25,000 valid signatures to appear on the ballot _ five times what traditional parties need.
Democratic and GOP activists are challenging the candidates' petitions.
Grimm says challenges stymie fundraising, take time off the campaign trail and wear down upstart candidates.
Schafer says independent candidacies are more important than ever because of voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.
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