Right now, Democratic committemen from the wards and townships within the 5th Congressional District are conducting a slate-making session for the upcoming special election primary at ZamZam Banquet Hall on Chicago's Northwest Side.*  The Tribune reports that three candidates -- Rep. John Fritchey and Alds. Gene Schulter and Pat O'Connor -- are seeking the county party's endorsement.  In a statement today, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz made clear she wouldn't be attending the meeting and had this to say about the slating process:

"I believe at this point in Illinois history we need a completely open and transparent process in this race. That’s why I supported a special election for President-elect Obama’s Senate seat, but party leaders refused to give voters that opportunity.  The best way to fill these seats and provide real representation is to let the people – not party insiders – decide." 

Cook Co. Comm. Mike Quigley is also steering clear:

Quigley acknowledged he was unlikely to win party support, given that he opposed endorsed candidate and eventual winner Todd Stroger in the 2006 primary for Cook County Board president. Still, he did not believe that lack of regular Democratic support would harm his bid.

"I just think the [party's ward and township] organizations don’t have as much influence on high-profile races," Quigley said.

UPDATE (2:38 pm): Tom Geoghegan writes in with an update from his campaign operation:

"This will be a wide open primary. Our message of economic security and a new economic platform for the Democratic party is resonating strongly with voters. We are quickly raising money and putting together a top-notch team and organization. We will compete for every vote in the district."

*This post originally stated all 80 Cook County Democratic committeemen were involved in today's proceedings. In fact, it appears to only have been those committeemen whose wards and townships lie within the 5th Congressional District's boundaries.