They did, too
The electricity felt throughout Springfield, where
Obama’s journey began, in the days following his ascent made up for
Illinois’ lackluster electoral atmosphere leading up to Nov. 4. By
all accounts, turnout spiked in the capital city. Many others, such as Ray Oleszewski and Carolyn Houston, volunteered as
first-time election judges just to participate in the process, they say.
Even though this was his first election as a poll worker, Oleszewski says he could
identify first-time voters by “a sparkle in their eyes.” Unlike
in many parts of the nation — in fact, the regions that decided this
election — we were spared the hours-long waits at the polls and
voting machines glitches, however. Election judges outnumbered voters at
many of the polling spots Cap City visited. It was fun anyway. Of course
we’d be remiss if we didn’t shout out Tuesday’s
other local winners — and losers. Here are some of those folks in
their own words:
“My
chairman’s job is way down the list of things that are important to
me. My God, my family and my job come first.” — Sangamon County GOP chairman
Tony Libri, who overcame a stiff challenge from city clerk Cecilia Tumulty
to win a fourth term as circuit clerk [“Libri’s last
stand?,” Oct. 30].
“If people think I’m ambitious…then that’s
better than being called lazy.” – U.S. Rep.-elect Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, on criticism
that he’s padding his political resume [“Kid Schock,”
Oct. 2].
“It’s a law enforcement office; it’s
not a medical office. You don’t have to have any kind of a degree in
nursing or medical to be in this office.”— Susan
Boone, who won reelection as county coroner, on her qualifications for the
job [“Race to the death,” Oct. 30].
“You’re not going to be a Democrat
recorder and you’re not going to be a Republican recorder.
You’re going to be the Sangamon County recorder and you’re
there to serve every single individual.”— Josh Langfelder, who
beat off a feisty opponent in Republican Don Gray to capture the
Democrat’s only countywide office for recorder[Going on the record,
Sept. 18].
“There’s a good chance we’ll
eliminate ourselves. But we will have more of a chance of getting something
done, and we’ll have to convince less Republicans that any idea is a
good idea.”—
Scott Saunders, who led unsuccessful efforts
to reduce the size of the Sangamon County Board and to unseat Republican
incumbent Rosemarie Long in District 10 [“County board
cutback,” Oct. 30].
“Members are frustrated that things happen, or
don’t happen, at the Capitol and that the governor seems locked in
personality battles. But none of those issues constitute a constitutional
problem.” — Rob Karr, Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution
member arguing against convening a state constitutional convention
[“The pros and cons of Con-Con,” Oct. 2].
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2008.
