It seems like the extreme elements within the Democratic Party are pushing out key voting blocks that helped Biden defeat Trump in 2020. Now that Republicans control the White House and Congress, look for more “wedge” issues to hit Illinois on immigration/open borders, campus unrest, clear support for Israel, women’s sports, crime and other social issues that might be a root cause of sacred cow far left Democratic positions that progressives will very likely refuse to discuss in an open manner.
- Spirit of Pesotum - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:11 am:
Quentin Fulks was the campaign manager for the Fair Tax Amendment and lost. He is the deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris and lost. Why does he keep getting campaign jobs?
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:13 am:
There will be libraries full of volumes about how Donald Trump reshaped the political landscape of the US and took over the GOP. He simply defies logic when it comes to figuring out how he has done what he has.
Lots of angst among residents of Sangamon County with the local leadership following the Sonya Massey murder, yet the incumbents all won their seats on the board.
The people were desperate. And in their desperation they have turned to a man they don’t fully understand. (Paraphrased from The Dark Knight).
The Dems need to figure out something fast nationally and that has to start with being a party running FOR something and not just mostly AGAiNST something. The republicans own Against.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:28 am:
In the words of our esteemed late colleague Bill, “Whooops!”
Well… here’s to Pritzker using the next four years to polish up his presidential credentials for 2028. We’re a big state with a supermajority control of congress and the resources to serve as a bulwark against likely incoming federal chicanery.
Especially with a likely very narrow control of the House being gained by the Dems, the Illinois delegation is also going to play a critical role hampering the GOP’s agenda by control of the national purse strings.
Hope that older Dems take the hint for a change and step aside before it’s too late as well and actually let a new generation take over the new reality rather than hoping for a return to the now lden days of the 90’s. I’m looking at you, Durbin. Your time in the sun has long-since passed, let folks born in the 60’s to the 90’s take a crack at being a junior senator from Illinois in 2027.
Trump has massive negatives yet he wins in a landslide. Maybe the Democratic Party ought to look at its agenda or at least its messaging. They come off like a scold no one likes to be lectured and talked down to. Imagine if it was Rubio or Hailey on the Republican side it would have destroyed the Democrats
Someone has to take a truly center position. At least Trump is done running for president and 4 years may seem long but it will pass
- NewToSpringfield - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:35 am:
“Please don’t feel silly for hoping. Please don’t feel stupid for being surprised. You let yourself find joy and confidence in goodness despite the odds. You worked hard despite knowing what might happen. These things are not silly. They are reminders of humanity. You did that.”
~Taylor Schumann
- Osborne Smith III - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:50 am:
We found out who we really are as a nation yesterday. I’m incredibly sad this morning to have been correct in my internal assumption over the last few months.
Trump’s victory may impact Illinois residents’ taxes. As part of the package to renew the Trump tax cuts, Trump has called for lifting the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
- Joe Biden Playing Golf - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:53 am:
The Democrat Party needs to do some soul searching about their message to rural Americans and union voters. The loss of the Glen Poshards and Brandon Phelps Democrats in Illinois may be all fun and games here, but nationally speaking its one of the reasons why Trump was elected.
This is not political although I saw it on a election night broadcast.Seems some ballot’s in a Texas college town got ripped. So the students were asked to submit new ones, however some of the kids could not sign the paper because they were never taught cursive.
There’s an old Simpsons quote I always appreciated where the vile Mayor Sideshow Bob defends himself from corruption charges by saying, “Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king.” Nearly 30 years later, I guess that line still holds up.
- Rounding Numbers and Bases - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:49 am:
The Simpsons always predict the future. Always.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:51 am:
Looking at countywide results in Will County, there is a developing pattern emerging.
The county went blue at the national level in this election, but by a fraction of a single percentage point so far.
In 2020, it was almost 9 points blue. There are still provisional ballots to count, but that’s not enough to move the 8 point swing between the two elections.
The county exec, who won by almost 9 points in 2020 - is only leading by about 2 points in this election. The county clerk looks like it might flip to republican at this point. The current county clerk was appointed by the county board and exec after the resignation of the previous clerk earlier this year.
Contrasted with Rachel Ventura, who absolutely blew out the opposition by 15 points. Similarly, Lauren Underwood also increased her margin of victory in this election over 2020 at the county level.
At least at the county level, there’s a clear demarcation developing between old democrats and new democrats. The public overall also clearly sees a difference.
The stage is set for some primary challengers, but knowing how the local democratic party works at the county level they are going to push down any challengers - likely until they lose democratic control of the county completely.
McLean vs Peoria counties & Kendall vs Will counties are an interesting comparison, with the caveat that there are still some outstanding votes.
The resiliency of downballot Dems surprised me a bit.
A great day and historically one to be remembered. I am feeling great that we have a better chance. Nothing surprising in Illinois although some local races did surprise me. Democratic Board in Mclean County now.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:43 am:
===Think in way to early, JB may be to liberal for America===
To the contrary, I think of the Democrats needing the next FDR, and he is one of the closest potential candidates to it - a pragmatic progressive who has easily convinced its citizens to return him to office. It would help if IL flourishes the next 4 years where he can tout “the Illinois Miracle.”
McLean County elected a Dem county board, so that’s a big local swing. The auditor position being retained by 55% of the voters is a major headscratcher, though. Literally nobody of note was in favor of doing so. Nobody even ran against her because everyone assumed the gig’d be eliminated.
- Anotheretiree - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:28 am:
IL. will be punished somehow the next 4 years. Along with the other blues.
voters are heading back to the center. the percentages show it. and this includes in blue states.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:39 am:
- voters are heading back to the center -
Nonsense. Harris was the center and 14 million Democrats didn’t turn out for her.
Democrats keep chasing the GOP to the right and this is what happens.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:41 am:
== The auditor position being retained by 55% of the voters is a major headscratcher, though. ==
Not really. Lot’s of low information voters out there. To them “eliminate the auditor” sounds like getting rid of the police.
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:59 am:
=they have turned to a man they don’t fully understand=
I beg to differ. We had 4 years of Trump and plenty of rallies and interviews. Harris is the one that isn’t understood because she avoided interviews and seemed to never have much to say regarding policy. She tended to flip flop a lot. That is a turn off to many voters. And she was all about Trump and silly catchphrases, not much about herself or her ideas.
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:00 pm:
=IL. will be punished somehow the next 4 years. Along with the other blues.=
Get we get some examples please? And did this happen 2016-2020 or are you just trolling and fear mongering?
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:02 pm:
=voters are heading back to the center. the percentages show it. and this includes in blue states.=
Agree 100%. I’m seeing it with my own eyes and ears. People talk about how far the right went but refuse to acknowledge the left going just a far the opposite way. We all used to be a lot more center. There is a huge divide now, going both ways.
Harris didn’t even make it the votes of the 2020 primary process after announcing for President the year prior. Then she was named VP and given the immigration issue which she was widely pilloried for. Then voters said immigration was a top three issue in the election. Ooops.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:21 pm:
“Last week I posted a comment saying I wanted to know who we are as a nation. I have my answer, and it’s heartbreaking.”
It’s very justified to be irate and vote out an incumbent or administration due to problems like inflation, immigration, etc. But our sacred covenant to each other has been shattered, by choosing someone who tried to overthrow our government. What does that say about Americans? Clearly we are no longer an example to the world. Hopefully democracy-loving nations strengthen themselves.
Mass deportations are coming right away, per the news. It would behoove many who would be impacted to pay attention—individuals and businesses.
- champaign lite - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 7:57 am:
Once again Champaign County had problems with is “vendor” that was selected by the County Clerk.
Only the 4th election in a row that has been messed up.
https://www.news-gazette.com/election/2024/election-24-i-can-t-believe-that-we-have-this-issue/article_48404012-9be3-11ef-9b6d-67a5fa12053b.html
- Dog Lover - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 7:57 am:
The sun came up this morning, just as my husband said it would.
- Proud Papa Bear - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:05 am:
Thankful to be in Illinois, now more than ever.
- Sheila - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:10 am:
It seems like the extreme elements within the Democratic Party are pushing out key voting blocks that helped Biden defeat Trump in 2020. Now that Republicans control the White House and Congress, look for more “wedge” issues to hit Illinois on immigration/open borders, campus unrest, clear support for Israel, women’s sports, crime and other social issues that might be a root cause of sacred cow far left Democratic positions that progressives will very likely refuse to discuss in an open manner.
- Spirit of Pesotum - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:11 am:
Quentin Fulks was the campaign manager for the Fair Tax Amendment and lost. He is the deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris and lost. Why does he keep getting campaign jobs?
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:13 am:
There will be libraries full of volumes about how Donald Trump reshaped the political landscape of the US and took over the GOP. He simply defies logic when it comes to figuring out how he has done what he has.
- LPDad - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:14 am:
Democratic support collapsed in Illinois. +16 to +8 in four years is incredible.
Without a gerrymandered map, it would have been a massive realignment.
- Former ILSIP - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:17 am:
At least now there’s a reason for the Veto Session, to back out of the Electoral Compact agreement before it becomes awkward.
On the positive side for everyone, it’s good chili weather.
- Lincoln Lad - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:20 am:
Last week I posted a comment saying I wanted to know who we are as a nation. I have my answer, and it’s heartbreaking.
- Pawar Lost - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:21 am:
Quentin Fulks loses again.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:22 am:
The rain stopped. Illinois results mostly what I expected.
- Grimlock - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:23 am:
Lots of angst among residents of Sangamon County with the local leadership following the Sonya Massey murder, yet the incumbents all won their seats on the board.
- Moved East - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:26 am:
The people were desperate. And in their desperation they have turned to a man they don’t fully understand. (Paraphrased from The Dark Knight).
The Dems need to figure out something fast nationally and that has to start with being a party running FOR something and not just mostly AGAiNST something. The republicans own Against.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:28 am:
In the words of our esteemed late colleague Bill, “Whooops!”
- TJ - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:29 am:
Well… here’s to Pritzker using the next four years to polish up his presidential credentials for 2028. We’re a big state with a supermajority control of congress and the resources to serve as a bulwark against likely incoming federal chicanery.
Especially with a likely very narrow control of the House being gained by the Dems, the Illinois delegation is also going to play a critical role hampering the GOP’s agenda by control of the national purse strings.
Hope that older Dems take the hint for a change and step aside before it’s too late as well and actually let a new generation take over the new reality rather than hoping for a return to the now lden days of the 90’s. I’m looking at you, Durbin. Your time in the sun has long-since passed, let folks born in the 60’s to the 90’s take a crack at being a junior senator from Illinois in 2027.
- TJ - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:29 am:
caveat, “supermajority control of the state house,” I meant, not of congress.
- Reynaldo - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:30 am:
Woke up to the sun shining bright after a couple days of rain and gloom. What a wonderfully refreshing new day!
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:30 am:
Trump has massive negatives yet he wins in a landslide. Maybe the Democratic Party ought to look at its agenda or at least its messaging. They come off like a scold no one likes to be lectured and talked down to. Imagine if it was Rubio or Hailey on the Republican side it would have destroyed the Democrats
Someone has to take a truly center position. At least Trump is done running for president and 4 years may seem long but it will pass
- NewToSpringfield - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:35 am:
Every day I wake up and thank God for cook county
- LPDad - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:38 am:
JB woke up with a smile on his face.
- yinn - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:38 am:
“Please don’t feel silly for hoping. Please don’t feel stupid for being surprised. You let yourself find joy and confidence in goodness despite the odds. You worked hard despite knowing what might happen. These things are not silly. They are reminders of humanity. You did that.”
~Taylor Schumann
- Osborne Smith III - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:50 am:
We found out who we really are as a nation yesterday. I’m incredibly sad this morning to have been correct in my internal assumption over the last few months.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:50 am:
Trump’s victory may impact Illinois residents’ taxes. As part of the package to renew the Trump tax cuts, Trump has called for lifting the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
- Joe Biden Playing Golf - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:53 am:
The Democrat Party needs to do some soul searching about their message to rural Americans and union voters. The loss of the Glen Poshards and Brandon Phelps Democrats in Illinois may be all fun and games here, but nationally speaking its one of the reasons why Trump was elected.
- Anyone Remember - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 8:55 am:
While he “won” took great pleasure in voting to not retain Steigmann. JIB should have bounced him 15-ish years ago.
- The Most Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:01 am:
@Spirit of Pesotum giving him credit for the losses but not for Senator Raphael Warnock’s win?
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:02 am:
=Trump has called for lifting…=
He has called for a lot of things.
- Say What? - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:04 am:
Dancing the Hucklebuck.
- Bruce( no not him) - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:07 am:
“…that has to start with being a party running FOR something and not just mostly AGAiNST something.”
Couldn’t agree more with Moved East
- Anthony - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:07 am:
Ha ha
- Suburban Dad - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:16 am:
What were the results for the IL 3rd Appellate Court races?
- TinyDancer(FKASue) - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:25 am:
Thought I was up on current events and news.
Did not see this coming.
At all.
- bob - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:32 am:
This is not political although I saw it on a election night broadcast.Seems some ballot’s in a Texas college town got ripped. So the students were asked to submit new ones, however some of the kids could not sign the paper because they were never taught cursive.
- Treefiddy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:34 am:
There’s an old Simpsons quote I always appreciated where the vile Mayor Sideshow Bob defends himself from corruption charges by saying, “Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king.” Nearly 30 years later, I guess that line still holds up.
- Rounding Numbers and Bases - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:49 am:
The Simpsons always predict the future. Always.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:51 am:
Looking at countywide results in Will County, there is a developing pattern emerging.
The county went blue at the national level in this election, but by a fraction of a single percentage point so far.
In 2020, it was almost 9 points blue. There are still provisional ballots to count, but that’s not enough to move the 8 point swing between the two elections.
The county exec, who won by almost 9 points in 2020 - is only leading by about 2 points in this election. The county clerk looks like it might flip to republican at this point. The current county clerk was appointed by the county board and exec after the resignation of the previous clerk earlier this year.
Contrasted with Rachel Ventura, who absolutely blew out the opposition by 15 points. Similarly, Lauren Underwood also increased her margin of victory in this election over 2020 at the county level.
At least at the county level, there’s a clear demarcation developing between old democrats and new democrats. The public overall also clearly sees a difference.
The stage is set for some primary challengers, but knowing how the local democratic party works at the county level they are going to push down any challengers - likely until they lose democratic control of the county completely.
- SIUEalum - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:57 am:
McLean vs Peoria counties & Kendall vs Will counties are an interesting comparison, with the caveat that there are still some outstanding votes.
The resiliency of downballot Dems surprised me a bit.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 9:59 am:
Think in way to early, JB may be to liberal for America
- Excessively Rabid - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:06 am:
Quoting a friend who died a few years ago, I am no longer surprised by the things people do, but I am sometimes disappointed.
- clec dcn - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:24 am:
A great day and historically one to be remembered. I am feeling great that we have a better chance. Nothing surprising in Illinois although some local races did surprise me. Democratic Board in Mclean County now.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:28 am:
Criminal justice reform is so last year.
- Occasionally Moderated - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:29 am:
10:28 was me
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:43 am:
===Think in way to early, JB may be to liberal for America===
To the contrary, I think of the Democrats needing the next FDR, and he is one of the closest potential candidates to it - a pragmatic progressive who has easily convinced its citizens to return him to office. It would help if IL flourishes the next 4 years where he can tout “the Illinois Miracle.”
- Anthony - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 10:55 am:
–tout “the Illinois Miracle.”–
keep dreaming. JB isn’t close to FDR. Please run him though
- TJ - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:06 am:
To go from national to very local…
McLean County elected a Dem county board, so that’s a big local swing. The auditor position being retained by 55% of the voters is a major headscratcher, though. Literally nobody of note was in favor of doing so. Nobody even ran against her because everyone assumed the gig’d be eliminated.
- Anotheretiree - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:28 am:
IL. will be punished somehow the next 4 years. Along with the other blues.
- Justin - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:30 am:
Madison County keeps getting redder, as two Democrats lost County Board seats, though one of the slated candidates came very close to flipping.
Good news is that Katie Stuart won.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:32 am:
voters are heading back to the center. the percentages show it. and this includes in blue states.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:39 am:
- voters are heading back to the center -
Nonsense. Harris was the center and 14 million Democrats didn’t turn out for her.
Democrats keep chasing the GOP to the right and this is what happens.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:41 am:
== The auditor position being retained by 55% of the voters is a major headscratcher, though. ==
Not really. Lot’s of low information voters out there. To them “eliminate the auditor” sounds like getting rid of the police.
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 11:59 am:
=they have turned to a man they don’t fully understand=
I beg to differ. We had 4 years of Trump and plenty of rallies and interviews. Harris is the one that isn’t understood because she avoided interviews and seemed to never have much to say regarding policy. She tended to flip flop a lot. That is a turn off to many voters. And she was all about Trump and silly catchphrases, not much about herself or her ideas.
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:00 pm:
=IL. will be punished somehow the next 4 years. Along with the other blues.=
Get we get some examples please? And did this happen 2016-2020 or are you just trolling and fear mongering?
- Just a Random Guy - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:02 pm:
=voters are heading back to the center. the percentages show it. and this includes in blue states.=
Agree 100%. I’m seeing it with my own eyes and ears. People talk about how far the right went but refuse to acknowledge the left going just a far the opposite way. We all used to be a lot more center. There is a huge divide now, going both ways.
- jolietj - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:18 pm:
Harris didn’t even make it the votes of the 2020 primary process after announcing for President the year prior. Then she was named VP and given the immigration issue which she was widely pilloried for. Then voters said immigration was a top three issue in the election. Ooops.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Nov 6, 24 @ 12:21 pm:
“Last week I posted a comment saying I wanted to know who we are as a nation. I have my answer, and it’s heartbreaking.”
It’s very justified to be irate and vote out an incumbent or administration due to problems like inflation, immigration, etc. But our sacred covenant to each other has been shattered, by choosing someone who tried to overthrow our government. What does that say about Americans? Clearly we are no longer an example to the world. Hopefully democracy-loving nations strengthen themselves.
Mass deportations are coming right away, per the news. It would behoove many who would be impacted to pay attention—individuals and businesses.