Turnout was fairly light across west-central Illinois. The biggest snafu in the region happened in McDonough County, where Clerk Gretchen DeJaynes ran hair dryers out to a few polling places that had damp ballots. It's not known what caused the dampness. DeJaynes said she planned to speak to the vendor about the issue.
Mitt Romney won Illinois to maintain his lead in the battle for the Republican party presidential nomination, though conservative challenger Rick Santorum fared better than Romney in west-central Illinois. Santorum won most of the region's counties and also did well in other downstate areas, but those vote totals were not enough to offset Romney's numbers from the Chicago area.
Cheri Bustos won the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 17th District. She will face Republican incumbent Bobby Schilling in the November election. Steve Waterworth won the Democratic nomination for Congress in the neighboring 18th District. He will challenge Republican incumbent Aaron Schock in the fall.
Unofficial results from west-central Illinois (winners in bold):
Proposal to consolidate the Abingdon, Avon, and Bushnell-Prairie City School Districts (the consolidation must be approved by voters in each district)
ABINGDON
Yes -- 25.79%
No -- 74.21%
AVON
Yes -- 72.67%
No -- 27.33%
BUSHNELL-PRAIRIE CITY
Yes -- 19.49%
No -- 80.51%
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Hancock County Sheriff - Republican Primary
Two-Year Unexpired Term
Scott Floyd -- 5.63%
Michael Norris -- 28.33%
Scott Bentzinger -- 66.04%
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Schuyler County State's Attorney - Republican Primary
Teena Griffin -- 66.18%
Jesse Gilsdorf -- 33.82%
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Ninth Judicial Circuit - Republican Primary
To fill the vacancy of Judge Gregory McClintock
James Standard -- 52.75%
James Greg Baber -- 47.25%
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McDonough County Board - Republican Primary
District 3
(Vote for Seven)
George Dixon -- 797 votes
Roger Brown -- 627 votes
W. Earl Sims -- 804 votes
Tony Coniglio -- 796 votes
David Nissen -- 784 votes
Bruce Brown -- 624 votes
Matthew McClure -- 965 votes
G.W. (Bill) Carle -- 887 votes
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City of Bushnell Referendum
Half-cent sales tax to pay for infrastructure
Yes -- 65.26%
No -- 34.74%
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Fulton County Referendum
Half-cent sales tax to pay for public safety
Yes -- 32.48%
No -- 67.52%
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Emmet Chalmers Fire Protection District Referendum
$195,000 bond issue to pay for equipment and facility needs
Yes -- 82.77%
No -- 17.23%
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Village of Ipava Referendum
The bulk purchase of electricity for residents and small businesses
Yes -- 72.22%
No -- 27.78%
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Village of Table Grove Referendum
The bulk purchase of electricity for residents and small businesses
Yes -- 65.52%
No -- 34.48%
