* The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners has updated its totals online. This latest info could be crucial to the too close to call state treasurer’s race. From a press release…
Here are the biggest items that remain:
- Absentee Ballots: Approximately 9,900 absentee ballots that were received Monday and Tuesday, plus 1,500 that arrived on Wednesday that had postmarks of Nov. 3 or earlier.
- Approximately 10,000 in-precinct provisional ballots from 48 wards, excluding what we still needed to retrieve from all of the 3rd Ward and parts of the 4th Ward.
- Approximately 2,900 Same-Day registration provisional ballots from Monday and Tuesday
There then is a universe of 11,400 absentee ballots that were mailed out to voters but not yet returned, which hypothetically could have a Nov. 3 or earlier postmark and arrive by close of business Nov. 18. Some of those may arrive and qualify to be counted, and others may arrive postmarked too late to be counted, and still others may never arrive if the voter decided instead to vote in the polling place on Election Day.
That totals over 24,000, plus whatever additional absentees they receive.
* The AP has Cross ahead by 21,011 votes. Reuters has Cross ahead by 3,552 votes. I’m not sure who’s right, but I tend to trust the experienced AP more than Reuters.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Forget about the AP, forget about Reuters. Scott Kennedy’s online tracker has, by far, the most updated numbers. And right now, the tracker has Cross up by only 13,202 votes. That could easily be wiped out by those Chicago ballots.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Kennedy updated his numbers…
Yikes.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Kennedy explains his update…
I went to all the election authority websites again tonight and updated any data that was new in the tracker. Here’s a summary of what’s new:
City of Chicago – they finally included the last 6 uncounted precincts in their totals, they now have 100% precincts reporting. It appears that the City of Chicago totals only show regular votes, it doesn’t appear they have vote by mail votes or any provisionals (including same day registration) counted. See more on that here. Frerichs had a net gain here of 1,171 votes.
Cook County Suburbs – they added a little over 6,500 votes to their existing numbers, I’m guessing these were vote by mail ballots. Frerichs had a net gain here of 1,509 votes.
Jackson County – they added almost 1,700 votes to their existing numbers, Frerichs had a net gain of 53 votes.
City of Rockford – they added about 600 votes to their existing totals, Frerichs had a net gain of 231 votes.
Ogle County – they added 4 votes to their existing totals, Frerichs had a net gain of 2.
I had heard that Will County was supposed to have some updated numbers, which most likely would have added to Cross’ advantage but they haven’t updated anything yet.
Also here are a few known issues:
Fulton County – I went to check to see if there was any update and tonight I couldn’t find a link to their totals. Not sure if I am just missing it or what. I swear it was there last night.
Jersey County – I am still using the AP’s numbers here. The numbers they have listed on their website are so small they can’t be right. The AP’s numbers are consistent with historical norms, the numbers they have listed just seem like there has to be an error. I’ll keep an eye on this.
Marshall County – their website was down tonight and displaying a server error.
20 Small Counties – all the data in pink on the tracker is still just what the AP reported for these 20 small counties. Most of them don’t even have a county website so short of calling them all I can’t verify the AP’s reported numbers.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* Meanwhile the Chicago GOP sent out an “emergency” plea for volunteers…
Volunteers,
Tom Cross won the Treasurer’s race Tuesday, but only by a few thousand votes. Now they’re counting absentee and provisional ballots at the Board of Elections, and the Democrats are going to try to make up the difference. We need volunteers to ensure that the votes get counted correctly.
Please show up at the Chicago Board of Elections tomorrow. The work starts at 8:00 am, but any time you can give during the day will help.
Chicago Board of Elections
69 W Washington
Contact: Caitlin Huxley
Phone: 312.841.0172 or Caitlin.Huxley@ChicagoGOP.com
The job is very simple, and very important: watch the ballot process to make sure everything is above board.
Don’t let the Democrats take this one away.
Chris Cleveland
* From Team Frerichs…
Thanks to all of you, our race is extremely close and could go either way. While the Cross campaign has indicated that they believe there are only 17,000 ballots still to be counted as of Wednesday morning, by everyone else’s count, election authorities are still counting tens of thousands of ballots across the state.
Many of those ballots come from seniors and military personnel serving overseas, as well as the provisional ballots cast on Election Day by people who unfortunately waited as long as nine hours to vote.
We, like most people, believe those votes should be counted. The race is extremely close right now and could go either way, and the campaign is waiting for all the votes to be counted.
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Today’s number: 322,329
Thursday, Nov 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Our number today is this site’s total page views during election day/night. 322,329 is also a new record, by far. And we only crashed once, when ScribbleLive crashed and everyone freaked out, including me…
Heh.
Sure glad that’s over.
Thank you!
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Meanwhile, in Opposite Land
Thursday, Nov 6, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Indiana State Building & Construction Trades Council…
We pursue politics as means to improve infrastructure and to spur economic development for the benefit of our membership and society as a whole. Politics is important, but it is always secondary to the direct needs of our membership for steady employment, cutting edge training, quality healthcare, and a stable and comfortable retirement.
The Tuesday saw a Republican sweep that was weeks in the making. It was a nationalized election that was a referendum on President Obama, ISIS, Ebola, and Obamacare. Most voters felt disenfranchised, and stayed at home. Independent voters, who trust neither party, saw Republicans as the lesser of two evils. The local issues, such as education, just did not resonate with the majority of voters. Despite all of this, and a General Assembly with an increasing number of anti-labor members, we will overcome and press on.
No matter the outcome of any election, we will continue to pursue projects, ideas, policies, and legislation that promote the best interests of our membership. I believe that regardless of party, the pursuit of infrastructure investment, economic development and workforce training will remain a top priority of the Indiana General Assembly. Are there those in the legislature that will pursue an anti-labor agenda? You bet! Will their agenda get traction this year? It very well may. Are we prepared to fight for what is right and rightfully ours? Damn straight we are!
Here are the basic results of Tuesday’s Indiana House and Senate races. The Indiana Senate is going to be 40-10, Republican-Democrat. Senators Richard Young (D-Milltown) and Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) both lost. Our Republican friend, and UA contractor, Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) also picked up the open Democrat seat held by Senator Lindel Hume (D-Princeton) who just retired. State Rep. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell), who was endorsed by the Northwest Indiana Building Trades, picked up the open Republican Senate seat that was held by Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake). This means that we lost two Democrat friends, and four retiring Republican friends, but picked up two Building Trades-friendly Republicans.
The Indiana House is 71-29, Republican-Democrat. Mara Reardon (D-Munster) and Shelli Vanderburg (D-Crown Point) lost, as did Rep. Bionca Gambill (D-Terre Haute) to Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville). The Dems picked up Melanie Wright (D-Yorktown), who beat Rep. Jack Lutz (D-Anderson).
We must now start reaching out the the newly elected Republicans, and sole Democrat, and make sure that they are educated on our issues.
Thank you for all your work this election cycle!
In Solidarity,
Pete Rimsans
Executive Director
All emphasis in original.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
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*** UPDATE *** Service details…
* Visitation will be from 12 noon-6:00 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary (6601-38th Avenue in Moline) on Saturday & Sunday, November 8 & 9.
* Funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, at Sacred Heart Church (1608-13th Street in Moline).
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* From the Quad City Times…
Former U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for years, died Wednesday night, according to his longtime friend and district director, Phil Hare.
Evans, who represented the 17th Congressional District in Illinois for 24 years and was a hero of local Democrats on both sides of the Mississippi River, had been living at the Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline. He was 63 years old.
Hare said that he got the call late Wednesday night, and that he had seen Evans as recently as 10 days ago, when retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin also paid a visit.
Evans, a former Marine who won accolades for his work helping veterans who had suffered the effects of Agent Orange, was swept into office in 1982, and he maintained the seat even in the face of stiff Republican challenges in the 1990s.
* A text message early this morning from a pal in organized labor…
Lane Evans passed away yesterday. One of the most inspiring political leaders I have ever known. He dedicated everything he had to the people of Western Illinois. It will be a long time before we see another one like him. Thank heavens for Lane Evans.
Lane surprised the Republicans when he won his first race in 1982. In 1984, he won reelection by the same margin that Ronald Reagan won his district, despite voting against the President more than 90 percent of the time (if memory serves, a higher percentage than any other member except Harold Washington, who was at 100 percent). Those two wins made him a larger than life figure for many Democrats.
He was so successful politically because he never, ever forgot about his district. Unlike a lot of members of that era, he flew home every weekend and had one of the best constituent service operations in all of Congress. And he never forgot who he was and where he came from.
I didn’t always agree with him, but I sure as heck admired him.
* From Cheri Bustos…
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Lane Evans, who represented for more than 20 years the same Congressional District Bustos is honored to now represent:
“I was saddened to wake this morning to the news that Lane Evans passed away late last night. A native of Rock Island, and a proud Marine Corps veteran, Lane represented everything that is right about public service. He was a champion for our region in the halls of Congress and a strong advocate for veterans and working families across the country. Lane will be sorely missed by all who he touched but his legacy of service will never be forgotten.”
Bustos first got to know Lane Evans when she was a newspaper reporter, covering the region. She last visited him during the summer at Hope Creek, where Lane lived and was cared for.
* Dick Durbin…
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin today released the following statement after learning of the death of former Quad Cities Congressman Lane Evans.
“Illinois lost one of its kindest, most caring public servants with the passing of my friend and colleague Lane Evans. When I last visited him, I told him our friend Barack Obama still remembered his quiet courage as a Congressman. I recall our many common causes for veterans and our downstate districts and, of course, our many hard fought campaigns.
“Lane told me years later that it was during a joint appearance in 1996 at a Labor Day parade in Galesburg that he first felt the numbing in his hand which led to his Parkinson’s diagnosis: a disease that trapped his body but never restrained his great spirit. Thank heavens for Lane Evans.”
* Sen. Kirk…
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement today after the passing of former Illinois Congressman Lane Evans at the age of 63:
“For 24 years, Congressman Lane Evans dedicated his life to serving the people of Illinois. As a Marine, and senior Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Congressman Evans gave a voice to the thousands of Illinois veterans and worked to rid the stigma that often surrounds combat-based injuries. I am grateful for the work he has done to care for our nation’s servicemen and women, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family today.”
* From the White House…
Statement from President Barack Obama on the passing of former Congressman Lane Evans
“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Lane Evans. Lane was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and dedicated much of his public life to helping his fellow veterans, particularly those who fought in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange. Lane was one of my earliest supporters when I ran for the Senate, and I was proud to have him by my side when I was elected President. Above all, Lane was an American hero, a dear friend and a beloved public servant of the people of Illinois. Michelle and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Lane’s family and friends, and the people he represented in Congress who loved him so dearly.”
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Gov. Quinn concedes
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Saying we should “respect” those who waited and “persevered” to cast their ballot, Gov. Pat Quinn said “it’s clear that we do not have enough votes to win the election.”
Quinn said he was appointing his chief of staff to be a liaison to the Rauner transition team.
The governor said he would work to pass the minimum wage in the closing days of his administration. “That’s a good thing to be fighting for. So I’ll see you soon.” He took no questions.
…Adding… As of 3:39 pm, the governor has yet to call Bruce Rauner to congratulate him and offer to help with the transition. Also, notice that Quinn never once mentioned Rauner’s name or, as a commenter pointed out, congratulated Rauner on his win.
…Adding More… Raw audio…
…Adding Some More… Bruce Rauner…
“I thank Governor Quinn for his many years of service to Illinois and appreciate his commitment to making this a smooth transition. I look forward to getting to work to make Illinois the most compassionate and competitive state in the nation.”
* Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois…
The people of Illinois have spoken, giving Bruce Rauner the chance to lead. As do all Illinoisans, we hope that as Bruce Rauner turns to governing he will recognize that he serves everyone in the state, including LGBT individuals and their families, and the clear majority of Illinoisans who support LGBT equality.
As Mr. Rauner wraps up his political campaign, Equality Illinois will be ready to work with him to advance equal treatment and social justice for all in the Land of Lincoln.
Equality Illinois also congratulates Governor Pat Quinn on running a campaign and an administration that embraced all Illinoisans.
Under Pat Quinn’s leadership, we advanced protections for students from bullying and violence in schools, we made history by recognizing marriage equality, and countless people got a job, a home, insurance, a mortgage, a business opportunity because of anti-discrimination vigilance by the Quinn administration. We made great strides toward fairness and equal treatment for all. We thank Governor Quinn for his years of service.
* Mayor Emanuel…
“Governor Quinn has been a great partner to the City of Chicago. I would like to thank him for the work he has done on behalf of our residents, and I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him as we fight to raise the minimum wage over the next two months. I would also like to congratulate Governor-elect Bruce Rauner. We must work together on behalf of all Chicagoans and put progress ahead of politics to move Chicago and Illinois forward.”
* Video…
Click to view
* Christine Radogno, Illinois Senate Republican Leader…
“On behalf of the Senate Republican caucus we wish our heartiest congratulations to Governor-elect Bruce Rauner. We look forward to working with Bruce and his administration to return Illinois to greatness. We will also offer our full support during this time of transition. We extend our appreciation to Governor Quinn for his years of service to the people of Illinois.”
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Karmeier “cautiously optimistic” about victory
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
The Karmeier Retention Campaign Manager, Ron Deedrick offered the following statement on November 5, after the unofficial retention numbers came in on Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier’s successful bid.
“Justice Karmeier has been retained and he is thankful for the voters of the Fifth Judicial District for sending him back to Springfield to be their southern Illinois voice at the state Supreme Court,” Deedrick said. “The numbers are close, but the 60 percent threshold has been achieved and we are cautiously optimistic that the numbers may continue to edge up.”
Last I heard they were at 60.4 or something.
…Adding… BND…
The unofficial totals of the 37 counties compiled by the News-Democrat show 225,825 ballots were cast to retain Karmeier with 146,754 against retention. That’s 60.6 percent of voters approving retention for Karmeier. He was required to get 60 percent of the vote. […]
But that may not be the end of the fight, Deedrick said. He expects recounts and legal challenges to the results.
In the month before the election, Karmeier faced an anti-retention campaign, with lawyers from the Korein Tillery law firm donating $1.2 million. Korein Tillery won a $10 billion verdict, including $1.77 billion in legal fees, against cigarette maker Phillip Morris in a Madison County class action lawsuit. That case is currently under appeal.
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[The following is a paid advertisement.]
“Chicago-based Exelon’s profit rose 26 percent in the third quarter…The country’s largest owner of nuclear power plants, Exelon reported net income of $993 million…”[Chicago Tribune, October 29, 2014 – emphasis added]
Just this past week, a Crain’s analysis revealed that contrary to their claims, Exelon may not be in dire straits after all:
“The analysis…raises questions about whether the state effectively will be asked to compel ratepayers to subsidize a profitable enterprise.” [Crain’s, October 27, 2014 – emphasis added]
Illinois’ businesses and citizens are still struggling. The last thing we need is a massive rate increase to bail out Exelon nuclear plants built during the Nixon administration and already paid for several times by ratepayers.
Even ComEd, Exelon’s own sister company, doesn’t agree with subsidized generation at above-market prices:
“ComEd has long believed that competitive markets will work in the best interests of our customers…so we are concerned about the negative impact on our customers from a requirement that would force utilities to buy subsidized generation at above-market prices.” [Crain’s Chicago Business, November 20, 2013]
Just Say No To Exelon’s $580 Million Rate Hike!!
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Rauner announces transition team
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a press release…
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner today announced Lieutenant Governor-elect Evelyn Sanguinetti as chair of his gubernatorial transition and also announced the senior leadership team.
“I am committed to assembling a diverse and talented team to drive results for our state and bring back Illinois,” Bruce Rauner said. “There is no one better prepared to help me achieve our administration’s goals than Evelyn. She has been my partner throughout this campaign and will continue that role as we prepare to take office.”
Senior Members of Transition Team
- Evelyn Sanguinetti, Chairwoman
- Mike Zolnierowicz, Transition Director
- Chip Englander, Senior Advisor
- Nancy Kimme, Transition Advisor
- Mike Schrimpf, Communications Director
“I look forward to working with the Governor-elect to build an administration that reflects our state’s diversity and is prepared to lead on Day One,” Evelyn Sanguinetti said.
The transition committee is also committed to disclosing and capping all contributions to the effort. More details about the transition will be announced in the near future.
Kimme is the only person on that committee with extensive state government experience.
…Adding… I was on the phone when I posted this so I was a bit distracted. Mike Z, Chip and Schrimpf are top notch staffers. They’ll be able to handle their roles. The object is to recruit the best and the brightest people they can to advise the candidate in the coming weeks. They should be able to do that, as long as they listen to Nancy.
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* How many times have we heard Gov. Pat Quinn repeat that line?
Google returned 8,900 results.
I can somewhat understand why Gov. Quinn didn’t concede last night. His campaign repeatedly pleaded with voters to stand in line for hours. Some folks waited until 3 o’clock this morning to vote. I can see why he wouldn’t publicly walk away while people who are loyal to him are sacrificing time away from their loved ones.
* But, it’s now Wednesday afternoon, and Quinn is trailing by five percentage points with 99.5 percent of the precincts reporting. Maybe he closes the gap by a little, but the “will of the people” is obvious.
Governor, you and your opponent tore this state in half with a hundred million dollars in negative advertising. It’s time you helped heal those divisions that you helped create. It’s time to pick up the phone, call Bruce Rauner and concede. I have his number if you need it.
*** UPDATE 1 *** From the governor’s office…
GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC SCHEDULE
**Wednesday, November 5, 2014**
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn will address the media.
WHEN: 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: James R. Thompson Center
15th Floor – Blue Room
100 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, 60601
*** UPDATE 2 *** WGN says they will live stream the event. Click here.
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* There’s no public schedule for Bruce Rauner today…
Late last night, Rauner spokesman Mike Schrimpf said nothing was scheduled for today.
“Focus now on transition and governing. Won’t rush that,” he said in an email.
* Tribune…
Rauner’s transition to governor actually began months before Election Day, said one campaign insider who was not authorized to speak publicly, with a closely held assemblage of veterans from previous Illinois Republican governors and GOP insiders. Their work included shaping the potential personnel in a Rauner cabinet. […]
Earlier this week, Rauner said part of his immediate work was to “assemble a superstar ‘A’ team to turn the government around.”
“This matters so much to me, I’m just on a mission. I’m going right to work,” he said.
* Bernie…
Rauner’s administration will likely bring a full roster of new department directors, and Rauner’s past tough talk about “government union bosses” certainly raises questions about how any negotiations with state workers will go. […]
Rauner may well reach an accommodation with Madigan over time, said former Gov. Jim Edgar, a Republican who backed Rauner. […]
Madigan wouldn’t speak to me for four months after I was elected,” Edgar told reporters in Springfield on Monday. “We finally reached an accord. … He knew I was the governor. I wasn’t leaving. … I think once he realized he could trust my word, that I wasn’t going to change my mind every day,” they were able to work together.
“He would still take me to the mat a few times, and I would take him right back,” Edgar said. “But again, I think we worked out a mutual respect and we were able to get things done.”
* From Rauner’s speech last night…
Just a few minutes ago, I placed two very important phone calls. I called Speaker Madigan. I called President Cullerton and I said to them: This is an opportunity for us to work together.
This is an opportunity to work together on a bipartisan basis, to solve the problems, the challenges facing families in Illinois.
I thought that was an important moment, even though the mention of Madigan’s name prompted loud boos from the audience. Rauner made it clear, I thought, that he was going to try and unify the state.
* But then I read the Sun-Times…
A Madigan spokesman, however, said he was “not aware of any call.”
I called that spokesman this morning and he made it clear that he didn’t want to make too big of a deal about it. He hadn’t asked Madigan about the call and Madigan had made no mention of it. He has another call into the Speaker and he has promised to ask if Rauner did, indeed, talk to him.
As far as Cullerton goes, a member of Rauner’s staff reached out to a member of Cullerton’s staff last night, but the two men haven’t yet spoken, I was told.
* Either way, Rauner did his best to say something positive last night, to show he was ready to move forward, even if it was only symbolic.
*** UPDATE *** Madigan’s spokesman said “We don’t see anything that suggested Rauner called Madigan last night or today.”
OK, I’m changing my mind on this. That’s not a good way to kick off a relationship with the Speaker.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* In your opinion, who (or what) were the three biggest losers yesterday and why?
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Once again, it’s the economy, stupid
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I have my own take on the minimum wage issue for subscribers, but I like this one, too…
The lesson of Tuesday’s minimum wage votes is that Democrats can do more on the minimum wage, not that they can help themselves politically by talking about it more. Just because a proposal is popular does not mean it can be a keystone in your economic agenda. As Kevin Drum of Mother Jones has noted, Democrats have an economic agenda that is heavily attuned to the poor; it’s much less clear what they would do for the middle class.
Many policies that help the poor are favored by the middle class. But if politicians want to win the votes of the middle class, they have to campaign on issues that affect them directly. Minimum wage increases do not serve that political end.
* So, yeah, the minimum wage hike referendum passed with almost 67 percent of the vote, but the candidate most associated with that referendum, Pat Quinn, lost by five points.
Quinn simply did not have an economic message that resonated strongly enough with the middle class.
* Here’s a striking result: 2010 exit polling showed that 26 percent of respondents belonged to union households. That number rose to 32 percent in 2014 exit polling. So, unions did a good job of getting their folks to the polls.
However, Bill Brady won 31 percent of union households in 2010. Bruce Rauner won 41 percent of union households this year.
* Or check out this one: In 2010, Brady got 39 percent of the vote from those who made less than $100K a year. This year, Rauner took 46 percent of that group.
* In 2010, 49 percent of those who said they were worried about economic conditions sided with Bill Brady. This year, it was 54 percent for Rauner.
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And the winner is…
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* US Sen. Mark Kirk’s 2010 win proved that a pro-choice moderate could win a GOP primary and go on to win a general election. Kirk deployed several of his staff members to the Rauner campaign and they not only helped keep the messaging on track (Lance Trover, Rich Goldberg), but put together what turned out to be one heck of a field operation (Mike Z). Trover and Z are actually Topinka people, and her 2010 comeback was as important as Kirk’s win, so she shares in this as well.
From Kirk’s statement last night…
“For the first time in a long time, I am optimistic about the future of Illinois,” Kirk said. “In a show of unity, I will host Governor-Elect Rauner, Mayor Emanuel and Senator Durbin to lunch so we can immediately begin to work in coordination for our great state.”
So, other than people who actually won their own races yesterday, Kirk is my “biggest winner” of 2014. And he’ll need a strong gubernatorial ally to help fend off the right wing and the Democrats in 2016, if he decides to run again.
The RGA comes in a close second, in my book. Former RGA staff were crucial to Rauner, and the huge RGA checks didn’t hurt, either.
* Your own thoughts on biggest winners? Let’s focus on the positive here, please.
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Madigan declares victory
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* As I told subscribers earlier today, Bruce Rauner funded two campaigns, his own and the House Republican effort. He went one for two. Despite all the cash, all the outside help (including from Dan Proft’s Super PAC), it appears that Speaker Madigan did not lose a single seat. From Illinois Public Radio…
With Bruce Rauner’s win, Illinois Republicans have something to celebrate. But they failed to make gains in the General Assembly, which could have big repercussions for Rauner down the line. […]
Rauner had tried to help Republicans make dents in Democrats’ power hold on the General Assembly — contributing money to races, and to the state party.
It didn’t work.
House Republicans failed to gain even a single seat. Which means House Speaker Michael Madigan will continue to preside over a bare minimum super-majority.
Democrats in the Senate lost one member — incumbent Mike Jacobs, of the Quad Cities. But they still have 39 of the Senate’s 59 seats.
* Tribune last night…
The suburban battlegrounds featured Democratic Rep. Katherine Cloonen of Kankakee in a tight race against Republican Glenn Nixon of Bourbonnais; Democratic Rep. Carol Sente of Vernon Hills who was holding a strong lead when Republican Leslie Munger of Lincolnshire conceded Tuesday night; and Democratic Rep. Scott Drury of Highwood held off Republican Mark Neerhof of Lake Forest, who conceded.
In Lake County, Democratic freshman Rep. Sam Yingling of Grayslake appeared to beat Republican Rod Drobinski of Wauconda, who conceded.
In DuPage County, freshman Democratic Rep. Deb Conroy of Villa Park was leading Heidi Holan of Glen Ellyn, and Democratic Rep. Martin Moylan of Des Plaines was leading Republican Mel Thillens of Park Ridge. […]
In western Illinois, Democratic Rep. Mike Smiddy of Hillsdale faced Republican Jim Wozniak of East Moline. In central Illinois, Democratic Rep. Sue Scherer of Decatur faced Republican Mike Bell of Edinburg.
The only one kinda-sorta race in doubt right now appears to be Cloonen. But the HDems are confident they have enough provisionals to win it.
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Undervote? What undervote?
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Lots of folks thought there would a huge under-vote in the governor’s race. It was just so nasty, so mean, so devoid of heart and spirit. People would just skip over it.
But, guess what? With 99.5 percent of the votes counted, more people voted in the governor’s race than in any other statewide contest…
US Senate - 3,439,117
Governor - 3,464,622
AG - 3,442,333
SOS - 3,454,120
Comptroller - 3,423,838
Treasurer - 3,370,406
Thoughts?
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Some congressional take-aways
Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Man, was this ever a thumping…
U.S. House District 12
100% of precincts reporting
Bost 106,435 (52.7%)
Enyart 84,136 (41.6%)
Bradshaw 11,47% (5.7%)
Eleven points?
Sheesh.
* And so was this…
U.S. House District 17
100% of precincts reporting
Bustos 108,228 (55.2%)
Schilling 88,004 (44.8%)
* Lots of mixed messages this year. Bustos wins, but her own state Sen. Mike Jacobs loses. And yet Rep. Mike Smiddy, who represents half of Jacobs’ district, wins.
I think what we can take away is that the candidate mattered this year much more than the party, or the incumbency factor or even the district (Smiddy’s district leans Republican) or etc. Enyart, Schilling and Jacobs just all got out-worked, out-thought, out-messaged, out-everything.
* One more…
U.S. House District 10
100% of precincts reporting
Dold 93,036 (51.8%)
Schneider 86,572 (48.2%)
Schneider’s campaign trumpeted his Democratic Party affiliation - in a Republican year.
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