- Trapped in Springfield - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 8:50 pm:
If she loses the election the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves. Geo-Karis is a trailblazer, and despite health issues, she has performed better than most other Senators.
I too am a Democrat and have lobbied GEO on lots of bills. She is a class act that more members of the GA should model themselves like. This is really sad and the GOP should be ashamed of themselves the way they through her to the curb. Way to go GOP, really shows you are the party of God, Morality and Family Values.
- NotALipinskiFan - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:08 pm:
Geo is one the pioneers - shame on the GOP for backing someone else.Emil Jones doesn’t work well with the Reps, and she’s just about the only one who can get anything done. Really smart move by the GOP
Paul Mangieri looks in real trouble if he’s not carrying Peoria County with a bigger margin than he is. After running for a State Senate seat that covers much of the area in a high spending, highly contested race just two years ago against Dale Risinger, Mangieri should have more support in the area than he does. He’s losing the city of Peoria and only has 54% in Peoria County outside of the city. (about 1/3 of city precincts are in and all county precincts are in.)
I haven’t compared campaign reports, but it will be interesting to see if he spent more for State Senate two years than he did for Treasurer this time around. I’d put a fork in Mangieri right about now.
I hate to throw the age thing here - but she will turn 88 years old later this month. At some point in time, you have to step aside and let a new generation of leadership in.
- David Starrett (yes, my real name, you bloody cowards) - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:34 pm:
I’ll never forget looking around me in 112 Capitol when nobody else wanted to get up and sit next to Grace Mary Stern in a R-controlled Executive Committee to testify for a voter registration bill. Geo treated the room to her opinion that voting was “a privelege,” and not a right so basic that it is guarenteed in the BODY of the constitution. Grace passed a note to me that cannot be recounted here by site guidelines. I agree; it’s time. If she makes it, God love her. At least I always knew where she stood. That’s more than I can say for most.
A good question; I’ve thought for sometime that she just wanted to die on the floor. Whatever happens, Geo will always be remembered as stalwart and a great play-by-play caller at the annual House/Senate softball game.
We’ll miss you Geo
State Senator - 31st Dist
VOTE FOR 1
(WITH 167 OF 169 PRECINCTS COUNTED 98.82%)
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis . 8,289 44.19%
Suzanne D. Simpson . 10,451 55.71%
Oberweis is winning big in Madison and St. Clair. Madison is pretty much finished reporting while St. Clair has a way to go, but there is no doubt about the republican choice down here.
EE won Shelby County with 60% of the vote and Cumberland County with 52% of the vote. Rod better realize dowstate Dems are not happy with him or the Fall will be a blowout for the Repubs.
- West Side Rider - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:37 pm:
TAzewell County is having problems with its computer system. Mike Smith is barely hanging on, less than 200 votes, with only 47% of the precincts reporting.
I’m downstate and I have no idea about a downstate election result website. You almost have to hit each county….. unless someone out there has any ideas.
I met Sen. Geo-Karis in 1988 on the bus at the GOP National Convention in New Orleans. She was quite a character then. I’d say she’s been a strong force in the Illinois GOP, but age and health does matter. Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond held on too long.
As to downstate totals. Check out the Belleville News-Democrat’s website at www.bnd.com. It has county by county breakdowns of the statewide races.
- David Starrett - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 11:51 pm:
Has anyone been watching Redpath v. Cahnman? I thought it would be closer than anyone expected, but Cahnman might actually win this.
- Criminal Enterprise Called Illinois - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:03 am:
Sam Cahnman, “warts” and all is clearly the superior candidate. Redpath is bereft of substance and Sam has actually accomplished some notable things. Shame on the regular Democratic establishment for not recognizing this. They love to play it safe instead of supporting candidates that actually are innovative and gutsy. Go Sam! But, please, Sam, use the real pronunciation of your last name proudly. The word play was a cheesy move that cheapened him.
- Long Time Reader; First Time Poster - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:06 am:
It’s obvious that Frank Watson learned a lesson from the Phil Crane mess from 2 years ago in Lake County. If Geo had won, she surely would have lost for the exact same reasons that Crane did 2 years ago.
- David Starrett - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:11 am:
I agree completely. The “Can-Man” (candy-man) ad stuff was really stupid, and still makes me wonder. Still, until there’s someone with lighter toes…
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 7:57 am:
On behalf of Geo I wish to thank everyone who posted such nice comments about her. I’ll print them out and make sure she gets them.
Let me give you all some first hand observations that I am sure will otherwise never see the light of day with the post election day avalanche of news.
Last night she conceded with such dignity and grace that it brought tears to everyone’s eyes in attendance. Well over 300 individuals stopped in to her election night party over the evening. Her genuine friends stopped in. Her “political friends” in her own party did not. Such is the way and life of politics.
She spent nearly two hours trying to track down her opponent to personally speak to her. She left messages on all her voice mails/machines until we finally tracked her down. So insistent, she would not leave until personally speaking to her opponent. So most of us stayed. I spent over an hour on my cell phone calling various Simpson supporters trying to track down a direct line to the winner. My voice appears on a whole bunch of voice mails. Old school ways are still the best in politics.
Missing in action was the leadership of the Republican Party in Lake County. Not a single one of them bothered to show up. Those in attendance were quick to note that after over 50+ years of hard work in the Lake County GOP, Geo was truly kicked to the curb.
Sadly, during her hospitalization three weeks ago, not a single so-called party leader of the GOP bothered to send a get well card with the exception of Kirk Dillard, and a few Senate staffers. Frank Watson called her on Friday (after she was admitted on Monday). The local GOP leadership in Lake County with the exception of executive director Ant Simonian didn’t even bother to send a get well card or flowers. In the meantime, Emil Jones and quite a few Democrats sent cards and flowers.
Both locally and in Springfield, she was threatened before the election that they would throw everything at her if she “didn’t retire gracefully.” Some of them even spoke to me to make sure that she got that message. Consider that headline, “Geo retires under pressure” or “Geo retires after being threatened.” She to her credit took them on rather than cave in to those threats. They made good on those threats both from Springfield and in Lake County, both with large donations from a handful of individuals, to whispering campaigns about her character, age and health, to a bombardment of mail pieces.
Did she deserve her treatment? Did she have it coming? Should she have run away “gracefully” in the face of it? Would she, who usually received significant Democrat votes in general elections, have lost to the slated Democrat this November? I’ll leave that for all of you to debate right now if you wish.
She was however, visited by some significant Lake County politicians that night. Both Senator Terry Link, his wife and Peter Couvell (vice chairman of the Democrats) stopped in at the end of the evening to express their thoughts and show their respect. Both spoke kindly and extremely well of her. Classy move on their part that everyone should take note of. They were both genuine and looked stunned.
Geo then left to a standing ovation.
During her concession speech, Geo expressed her concern towards those of us of who worked so hard on her campaign that we were feeling bad and down, or that we were feeling like we let her down. And we were. “Don’t worry about me, I’ve always found something to do.” This legend then spent time trying to cheer us up. Classy all the way.
She refused “to go negative” even when historical references to “Hanoi Jane” and Richard Nixon were being made. She donated thousands of gun locks to local police stations in her district that she paid for out of her own personal monies, and refused to let me publicize this during the campaign. “People will think I’m doing this just to get reelected.”
Her real friends will stick with her. Because she is Geo. And she has been a real friend to all of us and will stick with us. Because she is Geo.
One of a kind. And there are too few of her in politics these days.
Tell Geo that Amy (Vicki’s friend) said to not let the turkey’s get her down. Adeline was a true friend of mine when I was a real “young Republican.” So - that was 30 years ago, when she was in the house. I never met a more intelligent woman. I am astounded by her command of several languages, while I still struggle with my native English.
I will get a personal letter to her this week. Thanks Geo for the decades you gave to state government.
- David Starrett - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 9:12 am:
Adeline’s departure from the Legislature is a true loss for the State of Illinois. She was my first boss 33 years ago - I can honestly say she has been the most influential person in my life. I learned a work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my career and the importance of loyalty. I know we drove each other crazy during the early days when she served as a State Representative, but those are the days I will never forget. Thank you Adeline for serving your country and thank you being my friend! You will be missed and I agree with the others — the members of the Republican Party who opposed her should be ashamed.
- Tony Soprano - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 8:45 pm:
adios Geo.. you had a good run!
- Trapped in Springfield - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 8:50 pm:
If she loses the election the Republicans should be ashamed of themselves. Geo-Karis is a trailblazer, and despite health issues, she has performed better than most other Senators.
- Spfld_wonkett - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 8:55 pm:
That is truly sad. Even as a Dem I have much respect for Geo. The Senate is going to be loosing a great one.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:02 pm:
I too am a Democrat and have lobbied GEO on lots of bills. She is a class act that more members of the GA should model themselves like. This is really sad and the GOP should be ashamed of themselves the way they through her to the curb. Way to go GOP, really shows you are the party of God, Morality and Family Values.
- NotALipinskiFan - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:08 pm:
Geo is one the pioneers - shame on the GOP for backing someone else.Emil Jones doesn’t work well with the Reps, and she’s just about the only one who can get anything done. Really smart move by the GOP
- Tony Soprano - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:08 pm:
i think she is great too… but there is a reason why a lot of states adopted term limits.
- Amy Allen - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:13 pm:
It’s too bad about Geo-Karis.
In suburban Cook County, Claypool is leading Stroger with about 64%. No big surprise there.
- Cooky - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:15 pm:
Geo is a wonderful person, but its time.
- Jeff Trigg - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:28 pm:
Put a fork in Mangieri
Paul Mangieri looks in real trouble if he’s not carrying Peoria County with a bigger margin than he is. After running for a State Senate seat that covers much of the area in a high spending, highly contested race just two years ago against Dale Risinger, Mangieri should have more support in the area than he does. He’s losing the city of Peoria and only has 54% in Peoria County outside of the city. (about 1/3 of city precincts are in and all county precincts are in.)
I haven’t compared campaign reports, but it will be interesting to see if he spent more for State Senate two years than he did for Treasurer this time around. I’d put a fork in Mangieri right about now.
- Marta Elena - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:31 pm:
I hate to throw the age thing here - but she will turn 88 years old later this month. At some point in time, you have to step aside and let a new generation of leadership in.
- David Starrett (yes, my real name, you bloody cowards) - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:34 pm:
I’ll never forget looking around me in 112 Capitol when nobody else wanted to get up and sit next to Grace Mary Stern in a R-controlled Executive Committee to testify for a voter registration bill. Geo treated the room to her opinion that voting was “a privelege,” and not a right so basic that it is guarenteed in the BODY of the constitution. Grace passed a note to me that cannot be recounted here by site guidelines. I agree; it’s time. If she makes it, God love her. At least I always knew where she stood. That’s more than I can say for most.
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:44 pm:
According to Sun-Times Newsgroup results, Claypool has jumped ahead of Stroger with 18% of the vote counted.
- West Side Rider - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:46 pm:
I love Geo, and it is sad to see that she will likely lose her last election. Why did she not retire and sit this election out?
- SenorAnon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:48 pm:
Shave and a haircut — lookin good rich!
- TheJerk - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:49 pm:
Man. Suzanne is in trouble,
- David Starrett - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:51 pm:
A good question; I’ve thought for sometime that she just wanted to die on the floor. Whatever happens, Geo will always be remembered as stalwart and a great play-by-play caller at the annual House/Senate softball game.
- kimsch - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:52 pm:
In Lake County, with 98.96% reporting, Oberwies 18,600 (38.03) Topinka 17,210 (35.19) Gidwitz (17.99)
- Southern Illinois Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:53 pm:
EE is close to winning some Southern Illinois counties (Macoupin, Fayette). What will Blago have to say about that?
- Marta Elena - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:54 pm:
I’m afraid that EE just gave his concession speech. It was broadcasted on WGN news.
Also, Rich?? - how will I recognize you in a crowd without your beard?
- kimsch - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 9:55 pm:
8th CD in Lake County (99.24% reporting) McSweeney 12,178 (38.52) Salvi 9,557 (30.23) Churchill 7,139 (22.58)
- kimsch - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:01 pm:
We’ll miss you Geo
State Senator - 31st Dist
VOTE FOR 1
(WITH 167 OF 169 PRECINCTS COUNTED 98.82%)
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis . 8,289 44.19%
Suzanne D. Simpson . 10,451 55.71%
- diane - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:10 pm:
Oberweis is winning big in Madison and St. Clair. Madison is pretty much finished reporting while St. Clair has a way to go, but there is no doubt about the republican choice down here.
- kdruben - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:10 pm:
It’s official
State Senator - 31st Dist
(WITH 169 OF 169 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis 8,431 44.30
Suzanne D. Simpson 10,580 55.60
Total . . . . . . . . . 19,030
I am angry with the GOP for tossing this great woman to the curb simply because she is old and in ill health…
- David Starrett - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:24 pm:
Let’s throw her a BIG party!
- Tony Soprano - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:32 pm:
what site can you see the downstate totals?
- Southern Illinois Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:36 pm:
EE won Shelby County with 60% of the vote and Cumberland County with 52% of the vote. Rod better realize dowstate Dems are not happy with him or the Fall will be a blowout for the Repubs.
- West Side Rider - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:37 pm:
AP DECLARES MCSWEENEY THE WINNER!!!
THE SALVIS LOSE AGAIN!!!
THIS IS A JOYOUS DAY FOR ILLINOIS!!!
LET’S PARTY LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW!!!
- Little Lady - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:41 pm:
TAzewell County is having problems with its computer system. Mike Smith is barely hanging on, less than 200 votes, with only 47% of the precincts reporting.
- Marta Elena - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:41 pm:
I’m downstate and I have no idea about a downstate election result website. You almost have to hit each county….. unless someone out there has any ideas.
- Southern Illinois Democrat - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:45 pm:
You can use this one to get a few downstate results.
http://www.fidlar.com/results/us/il/
- LG - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:48 pm:
Mike Smith is doing fine. from fidlar.com with 68% pcts reporting:
JOSEPH YURKOVICH DEM 479 28.09%
MICHAEL K. SMITH DEM 1002 58.77%
MARVIN BAINTER DEM 224 13.14%
go Mike!
- kdruben - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 10:57 pm:
I thought that I was the only one who felt that way about the salvi’s… so glad that this will be the last we hear of them for a while…
- Mike R - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 11:00 pm:
County-by-county including downstate.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 11:04 pm:
Zahm loses 2 more races, Hooray! It was time for Geo to go! Thank you and God bless!
- Jon Musgrave - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 11:09 pm:
I met Sen. Geo-Karis in 1988 on the bus at the GOP National Convention in New Orleans. She was quite a character then. I’d say she’s been a strong force in the Illinois GOP, but age and health does matter. Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond held on too long.
As to downstate totals. Check out the Belleville News-Democrat’s website at www.bnd.com. It has county by county breakdowns of the statewide races.
- David Starrett - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 11:51 pm:
Has anyone been watching Redpath v. Cahnman? I thought it would be closer than anyone expected, but Cahnman might actually win this.
- Criminal Enterprise Called Illinois - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:03 am:
Sam Cahnman, “warts” and all is clearly the superior candidate. Redpath is bereft of substance and Sam has actually accomplished some notable things. Shame on the regular Democratic establishment for not recognizing this. They love to play it safe instead of supporting candidates that actually are innovative and gutsy. Go Sam! But, please, Sam, use the real pronunciation of your last name proudly. The word play was a cheesy move that cheapened him.
- Long Time Reader; First Time Poster - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:06 am:
It’s obvious that Frank Watson learned a lesson from the Phil Crane mess from 2 years ago in Lake County. If Geo had won, she surely would have lost for the exact same reasons that Crane did 2 years ago.
- David Starrett - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:11 am:
I agree completely. The “Can-Man” (candy-man) ad stuff was really stupid, and still makes me wonder. Still, until there’s someone with lighter toes…
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 7:57 am:
On behalf of Geo I wish to thank everyone who posted such nice comments about her. I’ll print them out and make sure she gets them.
Let me give you all some first hand observations that I am sure will otherwise never see the light of day with the post election day avalanche of news.
Last night she conceded with such dignity and grace that it brought tears to everyone’s eyes in attendance. Well over 300 individuals stopped in to her election night party over the evening. Her genuine friends stopped in. Her “political friends” in her own party did not. Such is the way and life of politics.
She spent nearly two hours trying to track down her opponent to personally speak to her. She left messages on all her voice mails/machines until we finally tracked her down. So insistent, she would not leave until personally speaking to her opponent. So most of us stayed. I spent over an hour on my cell phone calling various Simpson supporters trying to track down a direct line to the winner. My voice appears on a whole bunch of voice mails. Old school ways are still the best in politics.
Missing in action was the leadership of the Republican Party in Lake County. Not a single one of them bothered to show up. Those in attendance were quick to note that after over 50+ years of hard work in the Lake County GOP, Geo was truly kicked to the curb.
Sadly, during her hospitalization three weeks ago, not a single so-called party leader of the GOP bothered to send a get well card with the exception of Kirk Dillard, and a few Senate staffers. Frank Watson called her on Friday (after she was admitted on Monday). The local GOP leadership in Lake County with the exception of executive director Ant Simonian didn’t even bother to send a get well card or flowers. In the meantime, Emil Jones and quite a few Democrats sent cards and flowers.
Both locally and in Springfield, she was threatened before the election that they would throw everything at her if she “didn’t retire gracefully.” Some of them even spoke to me to make sure that she got that message. Consider that headline, “Geo retires under pressure” or “Geo retires after being threatened.” She to her credit took them on rather than cave in to those threats. They made good on those threats both from Springfield and in Lake County, both with large donations from a handful of individuals, to whispering campaigns about her character, age and health, to a bombardment of mail pieces.
Did she deserve her treatment? Did she have it coming? Should she have run away “gracefully” in the face of it? Would she, who usually received significant Democrat votes in general elections, have lost to the slated Democrat this November? I’ll leave that for all of you to debate right now if you wish.
She was however, visited by some significant Lake County politicians that night. Both Senator Terry Link, his wife and Peter Couvell (vice chairman of the Democrats) stopped in at the end of the evening to express their thoughts and show their respect. Both spoke kindly and extremely well of her. Classy move on their part that everyone should take note of. They were both genuine and looked stunned.
Geo then left to a standing ovation.
During her concession speech, Geo expressed her concern towards those of us of who worked so hard on her campaign that we were feeling bad and down, or that we were feeling like we let her down. And we were. “Don’t worry about me, I’ve always found something to do.” This legend then spent time trying to cheer us up. Classy all the way.
She refused “to go negative” even when historical references to “Hanoi Jane” and Richard Nixon were being made. She donated thousands of gun locks to local police stations in her district that she paid for out of her own personal monies, and refused to let me publicize this during the campaign. “People will think I’m doing this just to get reelected.”
Her real friends will stick with her. Because she is Geo. And she has been a real friend to all of us and will stick with us. Because she is Geo.
One of a kind. And there are too few of her in politics these days.
Louis G. Atsaves
Her campaign manager.
- Former YR - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 9:07 am:
Tell Geo that Amy (Vicki’s friend) said to not let the turkey’s get her down. Adeline was a true friend of mine when I was a real “young Republican.” So - that was 30 years ago, when she was in the house. I never met a more intelligent woman. I am astounded by her command of several languages, while I still struggle with my native English.
I will get a personal letter to her this week. Thanks Geo for the decades you gave to state government.
- David Starrett - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 9:12 am:
Wow.
- Vicki Sands Dixon - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 11:12 am:
Adeline’s departure from the Legislature is a true loss for the State of Illinois. She was my first boss 33 years ago - I can honestly say she has been the most influential person in my life. I learned a work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my career and the importance of loyalty. I know we drove each other crazy during the early days when she served as a State Representative, but those are the days I will never forget. Thank you Adeline for serving your country and thank you being my friend! You will be missed and I agree with the others — the members of the Republican Party who opposed her should be ashamed.
Vicki Sands Dixon
- Patricia Pedersen - Thursday, Mar 23, 06 @ 8:00 pm:
It’s been an honor to serve one of the greatest women of our time…… Patricia Pedersen..Senatorial aide…