SPECIAL STAFF REPORT
DEMOCRATIC PARTY "regulars" will once again dominate the November contests for House seats from Chicago and adjacent metropolitan areas. There are 69 incumbents and 51 non-incumbents vying for the 90 seats in the 30 Upstate districts (three from each district, districts 1 through 30).
Twenty incumbents from this Upstate area, however, will not be returning to the General Assembly next year. Six were defeated in the primary; six are candidates for other offices and eight didn't choose to run.
Those defeated are Joseph R. Lundy(D., Evanston), Langdon Patrick (D., Chicago), Jesse C. White (D., Chicago), Robert K. Downs (D., Oak Park), John F. Leon (D., Chicago) and Ronald K.. Hoffman (R., Westchester). Lundy and Downs, considered to be "independents," were defeated by party "regulars" in their respective bids for a Senate and House seat.
Retiring House members include Leo D. LaFleur (R., Bloomingdale), John W. Carroll (R., Park Ridge), Gerald W. Shea (D., Riverside), Leiand H. Rayson(D., Tinley Park), Donald E. Arnell(R., Chicago Heights), Paul J. Randolph (R., Chicago), Robert F. McPartlin (D., Chicago) and Taylor Pouncey (D., Chicago).
Three incumbents — Brian B. Duff(R., Wilmette), Romie J. Palmer (R., Blue Island) and Charles Fleck, Jr. (R., Chicago) — are candidates for circuit court judge- ships. Senate seats are being sought by- Arthur L. Herman, John Merloand Samuel Maragos, all Democrats from Chicago.
The most significant development in the Upstate contests, according to some political observers, is the slow movement of the Chicago black community from the regular Democratic organization controlled by Mayor Richard J. Daley. The renomination of incumbent independents like Rep.
Madison and the nomination of former Rep. Peggy Smith Martin, another Chicago Democrat, support their contention that this trend will become the most important political development in the city.
Illinois Issues mailed survey questionnaires to the winners of the party primaries for General Assembly seats to be filled at the November election.
A list of candidates for the Upstate House follows with brief biographical information. Candidates were also invited to answer a general question on what they would do to alleviate problems if the tight fiscal condition continues in the state. An analysis of the candidate responses is below.
Illinois Issues will cover candidates for the Senate, judicial seats. Congressional districts and statewide executive offices in upcoming magazines. Candidates running for Downstate House seats were covered in the June issue./ A V. & T.S.B.ž
10/ July 1976/ Illinois Issues