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CHICAGO (WLS) — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle dedicated some of her final hours before Election Day to engaging with voters in West Pullman and the southern suburbs. She enthusiastically chanted and took photos with students from Percy Julian High School who are gearing up to cast their votes for the first time.
“In these final days, it’s all about moving swiftly from one event to another,” Preckwinkle remarked.
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Preckwinkle is vying to make history by matching former Board President George Dunne as the longest-serving leader of Cook County. As she pursues her fifth term, she faces a formidable challenge from downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly, who is widely regarded as her toughest competitor so far.
“There’s a buzz around the need for change, which has been our campaign’s rallying cry. There’s a lot of energy and excitement among our supporters, and our base is definitely showing up,” Reilly stated.
While Reilly campaigns on a platform of transformation, Preckwinkle is working to persuade voters that consistency is the best path for the nation’s second-largest county.
“I’ve great record of fiscal responsibility and support for our health care system, and a difficult moment when the federal government is withdrawing support for health care,” Preckwinkle said.
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Both Democratic candidates have spared over donations. Reilly called on Preckwinkle to give back a donation by a developer who reportedly owes the CTA more than $1 million.
“I got modest contribution from Scott Goodman. This is just a distraction. The challenge that that my opponent has is his connection to Donald Trump. So, I think he’s just flailing,” Preckwinkle said.
Preckwinkle says Reilly’s connection to Trump is Trump Tower, located in Reilly’s ward, and the alderman’s vote on changes to the city’s sanctuary city ordinance.
“All the candidates running for every level of office, from Senate down to dog catcher, have been accused of being friends of Trump or MAGA, and I think that people are starting to tune that out for what it is. It’s nonsense,” Reilly said.
Preckwinkle turns 79 on Tuesday, which is primary day. Reilly has not made age a specific issue in the campaign. However, he has suggested that there may be voter fatigue with older politicians who have stuck around for too long.
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