Races to Watch

More than just one race

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Tonight is being touted as the most important election in American history, and there are several national and local races that will affect the direction we go in as a country after today. Here are some of the most important races to watch tonight.

Presidential

Specifically, watch out for Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. If Donald Trump loses any of these, he has no plausible path to the presidency. Even with victories in all three, his chances are still slim, but there would be a glimmer of hope.

U.S. Senate

While watching the presidential returns, keep an eye out for the senate races in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Nevada. If Republicans can take one of these, they might be able to hang on to control of the U.S. Senate by the slimmest of margins, even with Tim Kaine as vice president. The Senate is by far the most closely contested election today and could have a greater impact than the presidential race.

Congress

Republicans are expected to keep control of the House, barring a major political upset, but look no further than the backyard for one of the closest races in the country. Bob Dold and Brad Schneider- Round 3 has brought millions of dollars in attack ads right here in Lake County. Will Schneider be able to unseat Dold for a second time, or will Dold defeat Schneider for the second time in a row?

State Representative

Governor Bruce Rauner has poured millions of his own money into state representative races trying to weaken Speaker of the House Mike Madigan’s supermajority in the state legislature. Several races throughout the state are expected to be close, but the closest may be incumbent Sam Yingling against Rod Drobinski in the Illinois 62nd House District. Both candidates are Carmel alumni, and it is seen as one of the most important races in the state.

Comptroller

The race no one is talking about, but is actually one of the most intriguing. It is seen as a virtual Governor Rauner vs. Speaker Madigan race, with Leslie Munger, the incumbent supported by Rauner, and Susana Mendoza, handpicked by Madigan to run. Even though neither Rauner or Madigan are on the ballot, but it’s still seen as a pure head-to-head. This race will be a good indication of where the people of Illinois stand on the governor and speaker, two of the least popular politicians in the state.