It’s official – Trudy files for committeeman!

As of our previous report on this blog, the Zaja campaign was well above the maximum number of signatures we could submit, so we spent the final weekend before turn-in day reviewing the petitions and making a last burst of signature-gathering for other candidates.

On Sunday October 18, we also attended the Schaumburg Area Democrats’ annual fundraiser breakfast. Once again Trudy acquitted herself well in front of the audience, and yours truly won a bottle of wine in the raffle. Trudy’s #1 fan was also in attendance, although he seems a little preoccupied in this photo. —>

Before dawn on Monday, October 26, Trudy and I met at the Hanover Park train station to go to the County Clerk’s office in Chicago. Since we didn’t know what to expect, both of us had taken the day off work. While we were on the train, we saw a pregnant woman make her way down the aisle. I told Trudy about a superstition which holds that certain kinds of people — pregnant women, redheads, dwarfs and twins among them — bring good luck. Although I am not truly superstitious, I do appreciate taking a certain poetic view of events.

After arriving downtown, we high-tailed it over to the Cook County building, taking all of Trudy’s shortcuts. We passed a red-headed woman walking the other way. Although her hair looked dyed, I counted her as #2 on the list of lucky people. Shortly before 8:00am, we stepped into line in the lower-level “pedway” under the county building. A county worker handed Trudy a form to complete with her contact information, as well as  a piece of paper with a number indicating her place in line. (Speaking of superstitions, we now have a new lucky number: 55.) According to the rules, all candidates in line when the clerk’s office opened at 9:00am would have an equal chance of being listed first on the ballot in their respective races. There is some evidence to suggest that ballot order can influence voters’ choices, especially in lower-profile races.

Meanwhile, there was nothing to do but schmooze with the other people in line and watch the bystanders and journalists milling about. We saw Carol Marin, Rich Samuels, and a lanky, young guy that I later identified as Sam Hudzick of WBEZ radio. Sam was going down the line asking people if they were candidates. “Trudy’s a candidate!” I called out. Sam came over with his yellow microphone and, after having Trudy identify herself, asked if it concerned her that she might get votes only because she was listed first on the ballot. “I will be getting the word out about my campaign as much as possible, so that the voters can make an informed choice,” she responded. I heard the radio piece later in the day and although Trudy’s bit was not included, I was very proud of our first media interview!

The line moved forward quickly once the clerk’s doors opened at 9.  As we proceeded, a very short Asian lady walked by, and County Commissioner Tim Schneider was seen waiting several places ahead of us. Since the woman was no more than 4’6″, and since Schneider has an identical twin brother, I decided to count them as lucky people #3 and #4, respectively.

Soon it was all over. Once we entered the room, we were directed to one of about 10 tables staffed by county personnel. The lady at Trudy’s table reviewed her paperwork, handed her a receipt, and Bob’s your uncle. The next day, Trudy was listed in the newspapers as well as on the Election Department’s website. We will wait to see what further developments arise before filing closes on Monday, November 2. Then, on to the next phase of Campaign Zaja!