MAJOR DEMOCRATIC ONSLAUGHT AVERTED
It seems hard to believe that a little over 4 years ago, a little known State Senator named Barack Obama, who was running for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, spoke to us at CICI’s annual Legislative Day in Springfield. That seat is now open once again as Obama was elected our country’s 44th President last night. The task now falls to Governor Blagojevich to name Obama’s replacement for the next 2 years, who has already formed a special panel to recommend replacements. It’s anyone’s guess who may be chosen to replace Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Con-Con Fails
Perhaps the only bit of good news last night for the state’s business community was that the referendum calling for a constitutional convention (Con-Con) failed by a large margin. However, proponents of the measure may sue over the way the referendum was worded on the ballot. CICI and the state’s business community, along with many diverse groups throughout the state, including labor unions and trial lawyers, opposed the Con-Con.
State Senate – No Change (Except for Leadership)
After spending millions on a few select races, the numbers still hold for the democrat’s supermajority in the State Senate at 37 Democrats and 22 Republicans. Democratic State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Gary Forby (D-Benton) managed to survive GOP challenges. GOP State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) held onto his seat and newcomer Dan Duffy (R-Barrington) easily won over his opponent to hold onto retiring State Senator Bill Peterson’s (R-Vernon Hills) seat.
It should also be noted here that current Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville) announced yesterday that he will be stepping down as leader of the GOP Caucus. As you may already know, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) also announced his retirement. There is now a scramble in the State Senate – on both sides of the aisle – to replace their respective leaders.
State House – Madigan Nets Gain of 3 Seats
The most upsetting effects of last night’s election for CICI was the loss of Deputy Minority Leader Brent Hassert (R-Romeville) to political newcomer Emily Klunk-McAsey (D-Lockport) and current State Representative Ruth Munson’s (R-Elgin) apparent loss to another political newcomer Keith Farham (D-Elgin).
As for the 6 open seats being vacated throughout the state, the Dems only managed to pick up two for a total net gain of 3 new Democrats. The House will now have 70 Democrats to 48 Republicans, 1 seat shy of a supermajority for Speaker Madigan.
Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) defeated Republican opponent Joan Krupa to take the GOP seat held by now Congressman-elect Aaron Schock and Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) bested Christine Prochno for the suburban seat held by longtime Republican Rep. Carolyn Krause (R-Mt. Prospect).
GOP candidate John Cavaletto (R-Mt. Vernon) easily defeated Democrat Patti Hahn to take retiring Democratic Rep. Kurt Granberg’s seat.
In other House races, Republican-turned Democrat Paul Froehlich of Schaumburg held his seat against Republican Anita Forte-Scott, Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) beat Democrat Carol Javens, Republican Darlene Senger held off against Democrat Dianne McGuire for the seat of outgoing GOP Rep. Joe Dunn, Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) beat Democrat Aurora Austriaco of Park Ridge, Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glenview) managed to win another term, and the Republicans held onto the last two remaining open seats with a win for Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) to replace retiring Rep. Pat Lindner (R-Aurora) and Michael Connelly (R-Lisle) for the retiring seat of Rep. Jim Meyer (R-Naperville).
Congress – Illinois Dems Take 1 GOP Seat
The state’s Congressional delegation is now 12-7 Democrat. State Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) beat Martin Orzinga (R-Joilet) to take the11th District away from the GOP currently represented by Congressman Jerry Weller (R-Morris). Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) beat back a challenge in the 6th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Melissa Bean of Barrington held onto her 8th district seat, Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) did the same in the 10th Congressional District, and State Representative Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) maintained the 18th District seat held by retiring Congressman Ray LaHood.
And with little challenge from Steve Sauderberg’s campaign, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin easily coasted to victory. | 
