Illinois’s Primaries, Part 2

There were relatively few surprises in Illinois’s primary elections yesterday. In general incumbents prevailed, a bleak sign for a state where change is sorely needed. In races without incumbents money talked. Democratic gubernatorial candidate J. B. Pritzker spent nearly $70 million, mostly from his own billionaire’s pockets, dwarfing the spending of his Democratic opponents 30:1.

Here are the sound bites from the Chicago Tribune’s Clout Street which handily sum up the results:

*Fall governor race look-ahead: Rauner-Pritzker campaign expected to be expensive, brutal and long.

*Republican governor primary: Rauner claims narrow victory over Ives.

*Democratic governor primary: Pritzker cruises to win after $70 million campaign.

*Attorney general: Raoul emerges victorious, ending Quinn’s comeback attempt. GOP’s Harold easily wins.

*Cook County assessor: Embattled Berrios concedes to challenger Kaegi.

*Cook County board president: Preckwinkle skates despite pop tax backlash. In commissioner races, Fritchey loses.

*IL-3: Lipinski with slim lead over challenger Newman.

*IL-4: "Chuy" Garcia headed toward a promotion to Congress.

*General Assembly roundup: Silverstein loses after sexual harassment allegations; Ald. Burke’s brother loses to Garcia-backed challenger.

*House GOP leader Durkin leads Burr Ridge mayor in rare primary challenge.

*Turnout: "Disappointing," city election official said.

*Election results can be found here.

*DuPage County has vote counting problems.

In the much-watched Illinois 3rd Congressional District incumbent Dan Lipinski edged out challenger Marie Newman, despite Newman’s outspending Lipinski. Lots of money was spent by both campaigns, mostly from sources outside the district. As I have suggested repeatedly the 3rd is still a relatively conservative district. I don’t know whether there are lessons to be learned here by the DCC or not.

Don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet. These were just the primaries. I expect that the general election for governor starts today with two billionaires facing off: a self-made billionaire in Rauner’s case vs. inherited wealth in Pritzker’s. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if this weren’t the most expensive governor’s race in history. I predict that if Rauner is re-elected it will be another term in which his every move is blocked by the state legislature and if Pritzker is elected he’ll underwrite every move by the state legislature. Mike Madigan will continue to be the King of Illinois.