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IT’S OFFICIAL: KEN DUNKIN TO FACE DAVE SCHROEDER IN FEBRUARY PRIMARY ELECTION
Dunkin faces first Democratic opponent since 2002

Chicago, IL – The Chicago Board of Elections rejected a challenge to the candidacy of David Schroeder for the State House of Representatives today. This clears the way for Schroeder to appear on the ballot facing incumbent Ken Dunkin, the first time Dunkin will face a Democratic challenger since he was elected in 2002.

“The voters deserve a choice,” said Schroeder. “Election after election, Ken Dunkin and his allies have successfully prevented other candidates from appearing on the ballot. This year, voters will finally get their say on who will represent them.”

Under Illinois law, a Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives must submit a petition with the signatures of 500 or more Democratic voters from the district to appear on the ballot. Schroeder filed 1,963 signatures, almost four times the minimum required. Nevertheless, allies of Dunkin challenged these signatures, often alleging that the signatures were not genuine.

An examination of the voter registration records was called off after staff from the Chicago Board of Elections examined only the first 33 sheets of 146 sheets filed. Charles Holiday, the Board’s assistant manager for registration, wrote that the limited examination conclusively determined that Schroeder submitted 603 signatures more than the minimum required. “Continuing the records examination would only put the candidate further over that minimum,” Holiday wrote.

This is the first time since his election in 2002 that Dunkin will face an opponent in the Democratic primary. He had no opponent in the 2004 primary, and he successfully prevented his opponents from appearing on the ballot in the 2006 and 2008 primaries.

“The people who live in the 5th District want new representation,” said Schroeder campaign manager Erik Wallenius. “Dunkin has been an ineffective voice in Springfield, voting for the interests of his political cronies rather than the best interests of his constituents.” Dunkin was the only state representative to skip the vote to impeach former Governor Rod Blagojevich, voted against tougher penalties for gang recruitment and gang activity, and voted against lowering the Cook County sales tax.

Schroeder is an attorney who lives in the South Loop. He has been active in numerous community and civic organizations. His web site is www.peopleforschroeder.com.