IL-5 Wrap Up and Election Night Party

Congratulations Mike Quigley.

In a close race with terrible turnout, Quigley won the Democratic primary with about 22 percent of the vote, followed by John Fritchey and Sara Feigenholtz with 19 percent and 17 percent respectively.

It’s  no surprise to anyone who’s read this blog that I favored Sara Feigenholtz in this race.  I thought she was the most honest, sensible and gutsy candidate in this field who I knew would stand up and fight for issues - like healthcare reform - that we badly need to fix.  Though that being said, I respect other candidates in the field who were also smart, capable and would make good members of congress as well.

The good news is we still have Sara Feigenholtz in the Illinois General Assembly and G-d knows we need all the capable and sane minds in that government turned circus of late.

I attended the Feigenholtz election night party at the Metro across from Wrigley Field.  Despite the disappointment in the election results, I think I speak for many people when I say that her supporters felt that there’s a ton of work to be done with Sara as a State Representative and that in no way does the election result say anything about the campaign she ran and the person she is.

Fellow State Rep. Susanan Mendoza, representing the SW Side of Chicago, came out on stage to greet the supporters.  She’s an absolutely talented legislator who is sharp as a whip.  If you have not seen her interview on Chicago Tonight from two weeks ago, I strongly suggest you watch it.  She possesses the type of no-nonsense and down to earth style that is so unusual yet needed in our elected officials.

State Comptroller and Sara Feigenholtz endorser Dan Hynes came out next to say a few words and introduce Sara.  He played the consummate veteran and respectable elected official role.

Sara’s message to the audience was classic Sara Feigenholtz - classy, hopeful and witty.  She encouraged everyone to support Mike Quigley and pledged to work with him as a congressman.  Furthermore, she looked forward to going back to Springfield to represent her district to fight the good fight.  She kept saying how much she loved the district she represents and I think that feeling is mutual.

One final thought…I understand that “election fatigue” effected voter turnout.  I understand that a special election is not as attractive as a presidential race.  I understand that voters are pissed from Blagojevich and Burris…But come on people!  Voting is the ultimate Democratic tool.  We as citizens must exercise our right to vote.  Getting to the polls and casting votes is a small sacrafice to pay for participating in our country’s governance.  Let’s remember that.