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* Team coverage at the Sun-Times…
Chicagoans braced for the threat of coronavirus and plenty of mishaps at polling places to vote in the 2020 primary election — an election with at least two tight races that could be affected by what could be more than a quarter of a million ballots yet to be counted.
Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen late Tuesday said 200,000 early voting ballots had yet to be counted, and a “potential universe” of another 70,000 mail-in ballots could arrive to be counted in the next two weeks.
“We’re going to be counting for another two weeks, easily,” Allen said.
Allen explained that the city’s election board normally shuts down early voting the Monday before Election Day. It gathers all the memory chips from machines to be able to report out all early voting data, like “one big happy family of data.”
“This time we had early voting open on Election Day and serving as precinct [polling places], so now those precincts are coming in with all early voting data, going back to Feb. 19th,” Allen said. “That’s 200,212 ballots.”
Keep that in mind.
You can see some five-day-old maps for vote by mail applications here, returned mail here and early voting here to give you a rough idea of what’s out there.
* Regardless of the issues, the Associated Press declared Marie Newman the winner…
Challenger Marie Newman claimed victory over Rep. Dan Lipinski on Tuesday night in a rematch of their nationally watched Democratic congressional primary that was a battle between the party’s progressive and moderate wings.
The businesswoman from La Grange ended nearly four decades of Lipinski family control of the Southwest Side and southwest suburban congressional seat. The congressman’s father, William Lipinski, served from 1983 until 2005, when he engineered the appointment of his son.
“I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition who helped bring about much needed change in our district,” Newman said in a statement. “We are going to work together to lower healthcare costs, to fight climate change, and to continue building a hospitable community for everyone, no matter where you come from.
* Whatever’s left to be counted could be crucial in this race…
Ald. Edward M. Burke, the long-time 14th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, was in a close race to retain the seat against freshman state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, but his chief rival’s lead was growing.
Ortiz — who ousted Burke’s brother, state Rep. Dan Burke, just over a year ago — is leading with 40% of the vote to Burke’s 33%, with 94% of precincts reporting. Alicia Elena Martinez trails with 27% of the vote.
The too-close-to-call race — for now — leaves Burke’s seat, which he has held since 1968, up for grabs.
Ortiz won his House race.
* Perhaps the same goes for this race…
Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. looked poised to hold the seat on the high court he inherited from the late Justice Charles E. Freeman, but a strong challenge from Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes meant there was no clear winner in the race late Tuesday. […]
With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Neville led with 24.4 percent of the vote. Reyes had 21.3 percent, Harris had 16.1 percent, McBride had 12.7 percent, Cobbs had 12.9 percent, Epstein had 7.8 percent, and Howse had 4.8 percent.
Neville is now up by 5.
* The state’s attorney’s race wasn’t close despite huge spending by Bill Conway…
With about 85% of precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m., Foxx had 48% of the vote and Conway had 33%. Two other challengers were polling a distant third and fourth.
* Press release…
State Rep. Yoni Pizer conceded to Margaret Croke in the race for 12th District State Representative on Tuesday.
“I congratulate Margaret Croke on her victory and a hard-fought campaign,” said Rep. Pizer. “I decided to step up and run because I believe strongly that representation matters. I was humbled and honored to be appointed the first-ever openly gay representative of the 12th District, which includes the historically LGBTQ community of Boystown. I intend to work with Representative-Elect Croke to ensure that it receives the representation we need and deserve.”
Anti-gun advocate Denyse Wang Stoneback appeared to have defeated appointed State Rep. Yehiel “Mark” Kalish (D-Skokie) in a race that centered on the Democratic Party’s push to expand access to reproductive health care.” […]
In the 3rd District, appointed State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado appeared to lead Chicago teacher Nidia Carranza, according to unofficial returns. Delgado had the support of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, while Carranza had the support of the Chicago Teachers Union.
In the 9th District, State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, appeared to lead former WGN radio host Patti Vasquez and Chicago Police Officer Joe Duplechin, according to unofficial returns.
In the Illinois Senate, appointed State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) appeared to lead immigration attorney Ken Thomas, according to early returns.
* I think this is over, but we’ll see…
Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez has a big lead in the Democratic primary for clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court. With 3,579 out of 3,668 precincts reporting, Illinois state Sen. Iris Martinez is heading up the four-way race, with 34% of the vote.
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi follows in second place (27%), trailed by former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (25.3%) and civil rights attorney Jacob Meister (13.7%).
That’s gonna mean another legislative appointment.
…Adding… Cabonargi has conceded.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Kinda…
Congressman Lipinski concedes*.
“If the current numbers do hold, I want to congratulate Ms. Newman on her victory.”
*If the current numbers hold. pic.twitter.com/UkMl6nnLsd
— Tahman Bradley (@tahmanbradley) March 18, 2020
*** UPDATE 2 *** Marie Newman…
“Earlier today, I spoke with Congressman Lipinski, who ran a tough race. I want to thank him for reaching out, and I’m hopeful we can work together in the coming months to fight for our community and to get things done for the Third Congressional District. I am so proud of the coalition we built in this campaign and I am looking forward to continuing to meet with people and hearing their concerns on the campaign trail over the next few months. Now, more than ever, we need to be unified and not divided. Let’s all stand together in this fight for better healthcare, a more equitable economy and solutions that improve everybody’s everyday.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:15 am
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Is Pizer going to quit?
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:18 am
Neville was not running a very visible campaign (that I could see), so I’m very impressed that he might pull it off.
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:19 am
It looks like the Chicago early votes were added to the totals after that story posted. Vote by mails on the other hand will take 2 weeks to count in full and the board will start on Friday
Comment by Marquee Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:20 am
Pizer loss is a bad look for Lightfoot and the operatives that appointed him
Comment by Pawar Lost Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:20 am
What a win for Newman. A month old Crain’s article said Lipinski was up 22%. I just re-read that article. The poll was commissioned by Lipinski. My mistake for thinking that was real. Hence I was surprised by the Newman victory. Guess Lipinski was out of touch with his district after all.
Comment by Southwest Sider Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:22 am
I wonder if Newman’s victory was due, in part, to some older, pro-Lipinski voters not making it to the polls on election day due to coronavirus fears.
Comment by Red Raider Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:24 am
Meanwhile, in Oswego…
https://www.kendallcountynow.com/2020/03/17/breaking-oswego-school-district-308-voters-reject-tax-hike-referendum/ajcu0xl/
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:25 am
===… loss is a bad look for…===
99.9% of the time, yeah, I’m with ya, but the circumstances these last 10 days… a pandemic is far larger and concerning than the proxy battle, if you will, that was hampered and handcuffed and a traditional measure is tough to apply here.
With respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:32 am
I wouldn’t label Lipinski a moderate. Many of his votes places him aa a conservative.
Comment by Washingtonian Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:34 am
Iris Martinez won the 13th Ward. Rumors abound.
Comment by Annony Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:34 am
Iris is now the committeeperson of the 33rd ward and she will have weighted votes for her replacement. If she wanted to do a solid, she would recommend Jacob Meister for the spot. He lives in the district and without him being on the ballot and getting 14% of the vote, Cabonargi probably wins.
Comment by Oak Parker Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:40 am
===I wonder if Newman’s victory was due, in part, to some older, pro-Lipinski voters not making it to the polls on election day due to coronavirus fears. ===
According to the election day exit poll, 28 percent of the Dem electorate was over 65. 26 percent was 50-64. https://www.cnn.com/election/2020/entrance-and-exit-polls/illinois/democratic
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:40 am
Iris won the 13th ward because it has a hispanic supermajority
Comment by Oak Parker Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:40 am
Iris had an amazing night. She got elected clerk of the court, 33rd ward committeewoman, and Delgado won the 3rd district house seat.
Comment by Oak Parker Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:42 am
Can Jacob Meister go away now?
Comment by McGuppin Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:45 am
Tammy Wendt wins easily for the suburban Cook County Board of Review dem primary despite little in the way of support, policies etc. It’s hard to attribute this victory to anything other than her opponents name (Abdelnasser Rashid).
Unfortunate, really.
Comment by Sox Fan Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:47 am
Another big upset is the apparent defeat of former State Representative Michael P. McAuliffe by Ammie Kessem in the race for 41st Ward Republican Committeeperson. The margin is 427 votes.
This was a smaller dynasty. McAuliffe succeeded his late father, Roger P. McAuliffe, in the General Assembly. The McAuliffes held a seat in the legislature from 1972 until 2019 when Michael P. McAuliffe resigned. Both father and son also served as committeemen, but Michael transferred his base of operations from the 38th Ward to the 41st Ward some years ago.
Comment by Practical Politics Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 10:50 am
Lipinski is old school. Services!
Newman is new age. Policy!
People don’t appreciate services anymore they want to identify with a movement.
Comment by Bruce Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:07 am
=Iris won the 13th ward because it has a hispanic supermajority= LOL, 13th Ward elects anyone they want. Unlike Oak Park the have a strong organization. They carried Rahm Emanuel over Chuy Garcia. Rumors are that something happened in the weekend before the election.
Comment by Annony Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:15 am
=== LOL, 13th Ward elects anyone they want===
The 13th Ward is smart enough not to upset the voters in the 13th Ward, who are majority Latinx. They carried for Rahm and he did beat Chuy, but it was an immense amount of work and now they’re with Chuy. This is not much different.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:19 am
== The 13th Ward is smart enough not to upset the voters in the 13th Ward, who are majority Latinx ==
Yep. There are only so many non-Hispanic candidates they can credibly push. They focused on Lipinski and some judicial candidates…and it looks like they carried them.
Comment by Roman Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:30 am
Stoneback’s victory was obviously a win for the candidate and her team, and for Lou Lang, Personal PAC as well as….the teachers’ unions:
IFT North Suburban Local 1274, CTU and other IFT affiliates poured money and people into the race, even though other Labor supported Kalish.
Kalish was the beneficiary of over 100K from INCs, who made a cable TV buy, paid for mailers and canvassers.
So this was a significant loss for INCs, as Kalish was a national advocate for ’school choice’ - school tax credit/vouchers and charter schools.
Comment by Ashland Adam Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:31 am
Tons of Chicago vote-by-mail still out there. (Don’t forget, a few legislative races flipped in’18 when mail ballots were tallie.) But given that the margins in the countywide races aren’t that close, it probably won’t matter. And A lot of the close-ish races down ballot have multi-candidate fields, so there shouldn’t be big swings as the mail gets counted.
Comment by BC Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:40 am
Ed Burke and Phil Rock used to come to the Thompson Center for St. Patrick’s Day and sing Irish songs. He had a decent singing voice. The two of them had a lot of fun, as did the crowd.
Long ago and far away, as they say. If he had hung up his spikes 5 or 10 years ago he would be enjoying retirement rather than facing prison.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:47 am
Seems like Ed Burke’s seat is next….Congressman Garcia
must be circling from above
Comment by Man-at-Arms Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 11:54 am
The redrawing of the Congressional map just got even more interesting with Lipinski’s loss. Madigan no longer acting as the Lipinski family wingman in the map room — that’s a significant new development.
Comment by Telly Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 12:13 pm
In the last week or two Lipinski voted present for the Corona Virus package and focused on mobilizing the GOPers in the 3rd, my district. Lip had a firetruck in the Countryside St. Paddy’s parade a few weeks (though it feels like years) ago. The truck was manned by all-white males, but for Lip’s wife. MN marched in the same parade with a diverse group that was far more reflective of the district. As a 3rd district resident I will not miss the scant services Lip provided (seminars/clinics for the older folks) and welcome the policies MN will fight for in DC. Last time I checked, Art Jones did not crack a thousand votes, so there is that, too.
Comment by OK Boomer Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 12:22 pm
Why would Jim Allen say they hadn’t processed early voting when they did? Ruined my night.
Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 12:36 pm
=the voters in the 13th Ward, who are majority Latinx.=
No such thing as “majority Latinx.”
Comment by Southwestsider Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 1:01 pm
“That’s gonna mean another legislative appointment.”
Yes, an appointment by all those committeepersons who were elected yesterday by their party’s primary voters.
In a few months, some will be complaining about the committeepersons making the selection.
Comment by Practical Politics Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 1:10 pm
My 18-year old son voting in his first election said about the Supreme Court race: “I voted for Reyes because I watched his entire 2-minute ad and he didn’t mention political parties once. I don’t think judges should be affiliated with a party.”
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 1:49 pm
Because the 3rd Congressional District GOP primary was this time competitive, that may have drawn off a number of potential Lipinski voters who may have pulled a Republican ballot instead of a Democratic one.
Comment by VerySmallRocks Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 2:33 pm
at least it seems the concession by Lipinski was polite. that’s new in the race.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:09 pm
Can somebody please get Mr. Lipinski some chapstick?
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 4:44 pm