Welcome to the 2008 Windy City Times General Election Guide. With the goings-on in the presidential primaries, this election year is intriguing, to say the least.
There are also interesting developments locally. Deb Mell is running for a spot as state representative and for a spot in history; if she wins the seat, the Illinois General Assembly will have its first open lesbian. However, she has two opponents—and, in a Web exclusive, one of those foes, Heather Benno, talked with Windy City Times about her plans if she wins. See “Heather Benno: In a Mell of a contest” at the link: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Heather-Benno-In-a-Mell-of-a-contest/19689.html
Mell also talked with Windy City Times; see “Deb Mell: Breaking New Ground” at: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Deb-Mell-Breaking-New-Ground/19683.html.
Other intriguing races statewide include the 65th District state representative election race between Aurora Austriaco and Rosemary Mulligan; the 5th Congressional District race between Democratic incumbent Rahm Emanuel, liberal Republican Tom Hanson (See “5th District: Tom Hanson” at the link: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/5th-District-Tom-Hanson/19688.html) and Green Party candidate Alan Augustson (See “5th District: Alan Augustson” at the link: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/5th-District-Alan-Augustson/19690.html); and the 10th Congressional District contest between Republican incumbent Mark Kirk and Democrat Dan Seals.
Also in this issue, several of our readers sound off on the election—including who they plan on voting for.
On page 20 of the print version, Windy City Times has a very special commemorative poster of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama with members of Chicago’s LGBT community. However, it bears repeating that Windy City Times does not endorse—this newspaper has spotlighted Democratic and Republican officials and candidates who have held and attended local LGBT fundraisers.
Windy City Times political charts show recommendations and endorsements from organizations and associations as well as the candidates’ scores on the annual Windy City Times questionnaire. Find links to all four at:
“Windy City Times Election Guide: printable charts”
windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Windy-City-Times-Election-Guide-printable-charts/19696.html.
Lastly, please do not forget to vote; everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. And please feel free to take our charts into the voting booth with you.