Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: Pop tax election spin
Next Post: Post-election spin
Posted in:
* Of all the race results last night, I think this is the one that surprised me the most. Not necessarily that he lost, but that he lost by so much…
State Sen. Ira Silverstein conceded the Democratic nomination for the 8th Senate District to union lobbyist Ram Villivalam on Tuesday night, unable to retain the seat he’s held for nearly 20 years after being accused of sexual harassment.
“We ran a good campaign; it wasn’t in the cards,” Silverstein said after he and his wife, 50th Ward Ald. Debra Silverstein, thanked about two dozen supporters and relatives gathered at Great Chicago Food and Beverage Co. in the West Ridge neighborhood.
Unofficial results showed Villivalam had 52 percent of the vote to Silverstein’s 29 percent, with 92 percent of precincts reporting. Caroline McAteer-Fournier, who ran as a political outsider, had 14 percent, and David Zulkey, a lawyer campaigning as a fiscal conservative, had 5 percent.
I also had a feeling that Rep. David Reis was in trouble, but his 14-point defeat was quite something.
* The Question: What was your biggest electoral surprise last night?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:33 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Pop tax election spin
Next Post: Post-election spin
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Maybe I am really out of touch, but Commissioner Fritchey. I had no idea he was even in trouble. What did I miss?
Comment by RWP Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:38 pm
That Brandon Johnson pulled it off. I figured he would have a decent showing given the strength of his ground game (we had at least half a dozen people knock on our door for him but know one from Boykin’s camp). That said, I figured more folks liked that Boykin championed the repeal of the tax then they clearly did.
Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:38 pm
That Rauner, Pritzker, Rauol, and Lipinski all won. Of the big ticket races…all kinda just ended as one would suspect. Lot of crackle, no pop.
Comment by GreatPlainser Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:39 pm
John Fritchey’s loss surprised me. I knew he was worried and he appeared to be working pretty hard after maybe dismissing Degnan early on.
Those County Board districts are big and cumbersome. They split so many wards and most voters have no idea which district they live in. As much as anything, I think that hurt Fritchey. He does a decent job of communicating with the voters, but a lot of that effort is wasted on voters who can’t vote for him.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:39 pm
Maybe I am really out of touch, but Commissioner Fritchey. I had no idea he was even in trouble. Can anyone fill me in?
Comment by RWP Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:43 pm
Sorry about the double post
Comment by RWP Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:45 pm
===Can anyone fill me in? ===
He likes ketchup on his hot dogs and lobbies for the Lincoln Park Pirates. Among other things.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:48 pm
I’m surprised Kennedy finished 3rd.
Comment by DarkHorse Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:48 pm
I was surprised that Rauner won by under 3%. I was expecting him to win by double digits at least. One bad weather day, a flu going around could have knocked him off the ticket at 2.76%.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:49 pm
Kinda surprised that Preckwinkle was able to coast to victory.
And Burke’s loss. Not like the dems to have incumbents lose.
Comment by Paul Powell's Shoe Box Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:51 pm
Surprised at Rauner’s margin of victory. I thought he would still be in double digits. That has got to be demoralizing.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:51 pm
That Ives was so close. I considered pulling a Republican ballot this time just to vote for Ives, but didn’t. Thought that she would be a lot easier for the Democrat to run against in the general. Boy was I wrong. I don’t know that Rauner can be any more of a low hanging fruit than he is right now.
Comment by L.A. Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:51 pm
Fritchey, that district is fragmented. I saw way more Degnen signs than his.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:52 pm
Even with Rauner and Pritzker, a bucketful of money still helps the BS go down.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:54 pm
Pleasently surprised by J.B.’s margin of victory. I thought he would win by 6 or 7. He thumped Biss and Kennedy.
Comment by McGuppin Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:55 pm
I’m surprised the general is 7 months out. It would be nice to have the general at least 3-4 months after the primary. I want Rauner defeated immediately.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:56 pm
Definitely Sean Casten in the 6th district. Mazeski had a lot of support and what looked like a close but fairly comfortable lead when I went to sleep. I didn’t know Casten won until I saw it posted on here.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:57 pm
In a race that was probably “under the radar” for most in the state, I would have to pick the margin of the Charlie Meier victory over the Proft/Liberty Principles backed candidate Don Moore in the 108th.
Charlie, my Rep, was one of the Republicans who bolted the Party of Rauner to get the budget passed last year. And a lot of money was spent to remove him.
Comment by illini Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:58 pm
===lobbies for the Lincoln Park Pirates===
The Pirates part slipped my mind. That is enough.
Comment by RWP Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 2:58 pm
I thought Quinn would win.
Comment by m Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:00 pm
I’m kinda but not too surprised about the low R turnout.. And yet somewhow Rauner thinks republicans will pick up 9 seats in a democratic wave year.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:03 pm
Definitely Fritchey. I saw Boykin had a real race.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:06 pm
6th district cook county commissioner race. The heavy favorite with lots of money and union support was Crestwood mayor Lou Presta. Not only did he lose he got slaughtered only getting 14% in a three way. Murphy’s daughter lost barely for Commissioner in that race but won the committeemans job over Madigans guy O’Sullivan. Nobody saw O’Sullivan losing
Comment by Old Time R Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:08 pm
I too was surprised that Kennedy came in 3rd. He appeared to be surging or maybe his commercials just got better.
Comment by Because I Said So.... Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:08 pm
Thought downstate would carry Quinn with that group of candidates.
Never thought the “over” would hold when thinking Ives at 43.5.
Raoul wining isn’t the surprise, Quinn not winning because he couldn’t hit what I thought he possibly could is the surprise.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:08 pm
Berrios loss. His loss is the canary in the coal mine that property taxes will continue to be the HUGE issue in the future.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:08 pm
I was surprised Betsy Dirksen Londrigan won by over 23 points. I thought she was going to win, but by something like 5 points over Erik Jones.
Jones raised more money and aired more ads, but Londrigan seemed to have a better ground game and that was clearly much more important.
Comment by Angel's Sword Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:09 pm
Fritchey, yeah catsup and the Lincoln Park Pirates (though that didn’t hit until late). But I lived through that race. Saw knockers for both, the union support for her, literally four mailers on the race every day for the last several weeks. And John told me he was worried. But I never thought he’d get blown out the way it went down.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:10 pm
Fritchey upset and the Gov actually sounded contrite on TV this morning (see how long that lasts)
Comment by theCardinal Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:16 pm
Quinn loss.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:18 pm
Marie Newman loss. I thought she would have squeaked it out. I would not be surprised if she makes another go at it in a year and a half. Or will another “established” suburban challenger with a more left leaning political view come forward?
Kwame Raoul. I thought Pat Quinn would have pulled it out by a few points. Now that he lost, what will a defeated ex-governor and defeated Attorney General do in private life?
Comment by Failed Emily's List Mom Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:19 pm
@RE: Fritchey vs Degnen. I didn’t even realize I lived in this district until I got a push poll call from Degnen’s campaign in January. Definitely not the best name recognition and no real support from the aldermen in his ward will make it tough to win a one-on-one primary vs an opponent with no obvious baggage.
Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:20 pm
Definitely Boykin and Fritchey losing their respective races. I didn’t think there were that many people ready to vote for Degnen, who I had never heard of until last week. I was also under the impression that Boykin had more support in his district, too.
Comment by JakeCP Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:20 pm
I would say the margins in the governor primaries. I expected Rauner’s to be wider and Pritzker’s to be narrower.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:36 pm
==Londrigan seemed to have a better ground game==
There are a lot of middle aged women who have money, energy, free time, and they’re enraged. Mrs. Rabid is rabid. I have not been a fan of Londrigan but I’m starting to warm up to her. Davis may have his hands full.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:41 pm
Fritchey.
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:41 pm
Pat Quinn losing from the top of the ballot to Raoul who people outside of Chicago not in a union likely haven’t heard of prior to voting.
Comment by Seats Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:53 pm
==I would say the margins in the governor primaries. I expected Rauner’s to be wider and Pritzker’s to be narrower. ==
Same. Although I did wonder about Rauner. He has lost his shine with a lot of downstate folks; they see that his Carhartt is just an empty suit.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 3:56 pm
John O’Sullivan’s loss as committeeman in Worth and Terry Matthew’s loss in Bloom.
Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:00 pm
Fritchey. I thought the campaign rhetoric was incredibly unfair and negative to John, and still don’t understand any of Degnen’s policy positions.
That being said elections are what they are, and no opponent should ever be taken lightly.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:13 pm
-Seats-
“Pat Quinn losing from the top of the ballot to Raoul who people outside of Chicago not in a union likely haven’t heard of prior to voting.”
Don’t believe that you are from downstate. Raoul got the attention of downstate during the concealed carry discussions. While certainly not a friend of gun supporters, many were impressed by his approach to the mandate; think that he will be good in his new office.
But I too thought Quinn would win; seems like a job that he would be effective in…
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:16 pm
I would say Fritchey, but apparently, it was personal.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:28 pm
Quinn. Millions of dollars in name id, top of the ticket and it’s likely that each person voting yesterday in the Dem primary has voted for him once in the past two decades.
News flash, Quinn is unpopular.
Comment by Under Influenced.... Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:30 pm
Rauner almost losing. One more week and a few more coins from Uhlein and Rauner would be a lmae duck today.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:34 pm
Another one for Fritchey here. Bit surprised regarding Boykin too. Hints of some general discontent with the County Board?
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:37 pm
Preckwinkle, not only winning but winning big. I used to be a big booster of hers, but now I don’t a single person in the Suburbs who is. I’ll be be voting (R) in Fall for County Board President, but, of course, it won’t make any difference. The Democratic nominee always wins. here comes the “soda” tax again as soon as she is re-elected. good thing Du Page and Kane stores are close by.
Comment by Streamwood Retiree Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 4:48 pm
3.4 percent turnout among Millennial voters (18-27) in suburban Cook County, despite ballot question on legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Really thought kids were more informed since 2016 but turns out old people still decide elections.
Comment by Ted Slowik Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 5:32 pm
====John O’Sullivan’s loss as committeeman in Worth and Terry Matthew’s loss in Bloom.===
Charlie Hernandez from Cicero also lost.
Johnny is a good guy buy never did anything. I Realized he was in trouble only when he actually had a race and he put up signs. Obviously signs don’t vote.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 5:51 pm
Fritchey.
Degnen…..where did she even come from?
Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 7:56 pm
Bridget Degnen was outspent by Fritchey and his corporate supporters, but Bridget Degnen is a great retail politician and knocked on 7,000 doors. John’s social media is as fine as it goes, but she talked IN PERSON to thousands of people and we should be glad that still works. (disclosure: I worked for her)
Comment by Don Wiener Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 9:33 pm
The defeat of the two ‘Congressmen in waiting’ - Fritchey and Boykin.
Comment by Rasselas Wednesday, Mar 21, 18 @ 9:46 pm
“Degnen is a great retail politician”, please. The guy was in the hospital all last year so she had a running start to say the least. There is a back story Mrs. Carlson-Degnen…
Comment by Anon Thursday, Mar 22, 18 @ 12:13 am
“Degnen is a great retail politician”, please. The guy was in the hospital all last year so she had a running start to say the least. There is a back story Mrs. Carlson-Degnen…
Comment by Lakeview Thursday, Mar 22, 18 @ 6:54 am
Terrible that Fritchey lost. He was a great Dem on the county board. Now more tax and spend kleptocrats on the board
Comment by Ron Thursday, Mar 22, 18 @ 8:21 am