The Final Count: Elections ’12

Last Tuesday, the nation stepped into voting booths across the country to cast their votes. On a national level, our own Hyde Park resident Barack Obama was re-elected with three hundred and three electoral votes to Mitt Romney’s two hundred and six. In the House of Representatives, however, the majority went to the Republican party with two hundred and thirty three seats. The Democrats slipped in the Senate with a majority of fifty-three seats.  

Focusing on Chicago, Tammy Duckworth (D) defeated Joe Walsh (R) for the Congressional seat from the Eighth District.

In the House of Representatives district one elected Bobby Rush (D); district two elected Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D); district three elected Dan Lipiniski (D); district four elected Luis Gutierrez (D); district five elected Mike Quigley (D); district six elected Peter Roskam (R); district seven elected Danny Davis (D); district nine elected Jan Schakowsky (D);  district ten elected Brad Schneider (D); district eleven elected Bill Foster (D); district twelve elected William Enyart (D); district thirteen elected Rodney Davis (R); district fourteen elected Randy Hultgren (R); district fifteen elected John Shimkus (R); district sixteen elected Adam Kinzinger (R); district seventeen elected Cheri Bustos (D); and district eighteen elected Aaron Schock (R).

The results from this election could be very beneficial to Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel hopes to see Obama’s influence in the city of Chicago. Public transportation, funding for roads, and education are some of the prioritized goals of the White House. Rahm Emanuel is optimistic that Chicago will see the fruits of these labors.

Democratic representatives of the House are hopeful for the next two years, entering with a goal of cooperation. Tammy Duckworth aims to seek out fellow representatives who want to work together. Bill Foster, however, expects some party tension and is ready to “play defense” (Chicago Tribune) during his next term. Brad Schneider admittedly has a tough hand in representing the typically republican North Shore. However, he plans to cross the aisle and work with Republicans to make progress. Drawing on his business experience, Schneider is confident he can help close the divide and accomplish true progress. The outlook is optimistic and the plan to cooperate is in the name of the people.

Heads up, Washington. We’ll be keeping tabs on your “progress”.  

Watch President Obama’s Victory Speech