Posted By: Judy Smith

Thu Nov 9, 6:22 PM ET

To: State Desk

Contact: Charles McBarron of the Illinois Education Association, 217-544-0706

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Most candidates supported by the state's largest education employees' union had good reason to celebrate on Election Night.

The bi-partisan candidate slate promoted by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) was overwhelmingly successful Tuesday, winning key races in all parts of the state.

In races for the US House of Representatives, IEA played a major role in the successful campaign of Phil Hare (D-17th) and provided crucial support for the re-election victories posted by Rep. Melissa Bean (D-8th) and Rep. Mark Kirk (news, bio, voting record) (R-10th).

In General Assembly races, IEA helped Michael Noland (D- Elgin), Michael Bond (D-Zion), and Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), win election to the Illinois Senate and played a key role in the elections of Jill Tracy (R-Quincy) and Sandy Cole (R-Grayslake) to the Illinois House.

IEA also was deeply involved in the election of Judge Vicki Wright to the 3rd Appellate District Court and in Brendan Houlihan's election to the Cook County Board of Review. The Board rules on the valuation for tax purposes on all of the more than 1.6 million parcels of real estate located in Cook County.

"Every decision that affects what happens in our public schools, whether it's congressional approval of the federal education law, a school or university board policy decision, or the setting of property evaluation by elected officials, is a political decision. That is why IEA is involved in politics," said IEA President Ken Swanson.

According to the IEA president, Tuesday's election marked the organization's first step toward passing legislation to reform school funding in Illinois and reducing local property taxes.

"We are sending a message to legislators and the governor that the people for whom we advocate, the children of Illinois and school employees statewide, demand fairness. We expect the politicians to deliver." Swanson said.

EDITORS: Fifth paragraph clarifies the duties of Cook County Borad of Review.

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