Activist outreach a factor in aldermanic races

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In wards all over the city, at least a dozen aldermanic races will now be decided in a runoff election in April.

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She didn't win, but Milly Santiago is thanking voters for what she considers a victory: She forced the Vice-Mayor of Chicago, Ald. Ray Suarez, into a runoff in the 31st Ward.

"This is his first runoff in 24 years, I believe last year he was unopposed," Santiago said.

In another Northwest Side ward Tuesday night, longtime Ald. Rey Colon was ousted by Carlos Rosa, a 26-year-old political newcomer in a landslide race.

"Well, I think they pegged me as being in a vulnerable spot," said Colon, of the 35th Ward.

"Often times people are upset with the status quo, but they still need an alternative to believe in," Rosa said.

Thirteen incumbents are in danger of losing their City Council seats. One already has. So how did it happen?

Groups like United Working Families, with considerable help from the Chicago Teachers Union, identified challengers early and trained them, helping with targeted outreach.

"These races are won on the margins and it's a very small number of voters that are making these decisions to elect candidates," said Kristen Crowell, United Working Families.

"In the same way people were voting against Rahm Emanuel because he was the incumbent and they knew who he was, they were voting against incumbent aldermen," said Dick Simpson, UIC political science professor.

That gives challengers like Santiago another chance to do what some told them couldn't be done.

"You, you're going to be running against a wall and I said, 'You know what? I am not afraid because I think it's time for a change,'" Santiago said.