Most of the races in Cook County are decided within very partisan districts.
Therefore, the most heated races often are held during the
primary season. Last March, several long-term incumbents
were upset by newcomers.
There are still some interesting races this fall, especially in the 15th District, where Brian
McPartlin is hoping to unseat anti-gay incumbent
Republican Carl Hansen. McPartlin has strong support from gay and pro-choice
groups, and received a 100% rating from the AIDS
Foundation of Chicago.
Cook County is an unknown
entity for most voters, but it controls a huge budget and also operates such
important institutions as Cook County Hospital and the
Cook County Forest Preserves. What they do is often more important
than the City Council, but most voters are unaware of the clout these officials have.