AP:
A spring snowstorm today forced dozens of central Illinois schools to close and the postponement of a high-profile murder trial.
As much as two inches of snow an hour fell in some spots, with wind gusts of up to 40 miles an hour, weather officials said. A blizzard warning was in effect for 11 counties.
The storm occurred on Election Day, as Illinois residents headed to the polls to cast votes in primary races, including the gubernatorial contest and a host of congressional, legislative and local races.
Election officials had already said–not factoring any weather problems — that turnout for the election could be extraordinarily low.
By midmorning, Mattoon was the hardest-hit with seven inches of snow and Shelbyville and Jacksonville each got six inches of snow, said Ernie Goetsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln.
Forecasters expected snow totals to range from three to eight across central Illinois, including Springfield, Decatur and Champaign.
“It’s beginning to taper off a little bit, it’ll take another two-to-three more hours before it lets up,'’ Goetsch said. “By noon it should be on the way out.'’
- 105th Blues - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 12:26 pm:
South of I-72 is far worse and there is much less population down that way, so I don’t see the problem. I drove from Champaign to Decatur on I-72 this morning with minimal delays, but there was some ice patches.
- Right Wing Republican - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 12:29 pm:
Let me be the first to blame Brady’s defeat on the storm. It hit in the worst possible place at the worst possible time. He was counting on a big turnout in Central Ilinois and a small turnout in Northern Illinois. He is getting the exact opposite because of the storm.
If he comes in a close second or third it can be blamed on the weather. Of course, if he comes in a poor fourth, then it doesn’t make any difference. However, I’m betting on second place. Just close enough to drive all his supporters (including me) crazy.
- Snowed in - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 12:38 pm:
Bill Brady and Mangieri just got screwed. Of course, they were going to lose anyway. This will just make it by a more embarassing spread.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 1:32 pm:
Perhaps they can ask for an “extension” of voting hours. It was done in St. Louis (in 2000, I believe) on a day when the weather was just fine. I am against such moves, but tit for tat. If he knows what he is up against, the Chicago dems would jump at this in a heartbeat.
- observer - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 1:37 pm:
I think this could bode well for Dairy King. He base of support is hardcore. I think JBT support in these areas might not be as high as on a non-weather tampered day. I am sure the Blago people are hoping for an upset.
- Rep. Ed Sullivan, Jr. - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 1:53 pm:
F.Y.I. - We all just got word session for tomorrow is cancelled
- Marta Elena - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 1:58 pm:
The roads are paved here in Springfield. They have been for hours. Of course, I haven’t voted yet. I already ventured out this morning - I need time to recover from the first trip. I’m going to the polls around 4 pm to avoid the evening rush.
I have to give a SHOUT OUT to the Brady tech camp - already got two emails this morning. Once to remind me to vote and another asking whether I voted yet. I would rather get an email reminder than a phone call reminder anyday!
- Reddbyrd - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 2:18 pm:
Thanks Ed for that important bit of news. Now yuo can go back trying to tube GEO and Salvi.
Roads in Springfield have been clear for hours.
Mangieri will win cause he will be getting lots of votes in Chicago, Cook and the collar counties.
- Bradys the Guy - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 2:22 pm:
You are full of it, “Snowed In”. The weather is not that bad and is rapidly clearing up. Brady’s support is dedicated and they will get to the polls. Brady can pull this out.
Vote for Brady.
- anon in the sticks - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 2:43 pm:
You know !? No matter how hard you wish it … Brady will be victorious today. For everyones info here in south central Illinois east of Spfld the snow has stopped, a little sun here and there & the roads are clearing nicely. His people are getting out, his was the only yard sign up at the polls where I went & that starts early in the pre-dawn {probably during said blizzard/ storm} & I have rec’d 2 GOTV reminder calls within the last 90 minutes. There are a ton of local referendums in the surrounding counties too that will drive the locals out to vote. Has anyone thought of the “early vote” & those absentee ; absentees too in anticipation of a blizzard ?? Don’t under-estimate us “old hicks in the sticks” we’re used to planninmg ahead, riding or following snow plows & driving tractors. It’s winter man despite what the calender say. Go Bill Brady !!! Kudos to his volunteers, rec’ving lit, seeing signs in the blizzard & 2 get your butt to the polls calls shows a pretty good crew. If he loses it won’t be for lack of effort from his help !!!!
- ProudRINO - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 2:45 pm:
Sadly, what the weather will provide losers like Oberweis and Brady is an “excuse” as to why they didn’t win, thereby keeping their already large egos inflated. Nevermind that they lost because no one liked them or their message, heaven forbid!
- ISU REP - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 2:54 pm:
RINO: But it really was the SNOW I SWEAR! :)
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:05 pm:
Sore loosers, both of you. I’ve never seen a positive post from either one of you !? The polls aren’t even closed & these nay-sayers are calling the election & the candidates responses, amazing. “Oby” yes I’d grant you as he’s demostrated that throughout always looking to blame even on a sunny warm day . Brady NO & he knows that if he looses it’s because he looses, NO excuse, the way it is and go on !! That team worked hard for that guy. Hey, it’s time for NPR proud rino & ISU shouldn’t you be studying or something !???
- SmartAlek - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:06 pm:
Well, despite what people may say, I think the roads in Springfield have been paved for a long time now. Now whether they’re plowed is another thing. I always found the city liked to rely on solar power to clear the streets.
- ISU REP - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:30 pm:
Anon: No its much more fun annoying people who take these things too seriously, I think RINO was trying to provide some humor on this dreary day!! Clearly you haven’t read my posts where I specifically commend Brady for all the work he’s done for ISU and he’s a great guy, just not for the guv’s mansion. But hey its ok, loosen the tie and have a beer! :)
- Goodbye Napoleon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:38 pm:
House has cancelled session for Wednesday
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:44 pm:
One annon backing another … Rino is “serious” ?? well whatever ?? & there is nothing NOT serious about electing someone. Instead of posting comments & your “in-depth views” from the comfort of your dorm room & try helping a candidate out. Thank God some of us take things seriously. It’s been a long cycle but hats off to anyone who really “engaged the process” REP. or DEM for whoever they worked for especially on such a “dreary day”.
- Dem Voting R - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:54 pm:
I’m off to join the majority of folks voting today for Judy. See you all at a unity breakfast where everyone will get behind her as the nominee!
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 3:56 pm:
News report states that the McLean County Clerk reported a 15% turnout by noon. Polls are open til 7:00 so that may help. No doubt many people had other things to do this morning before work–getting out of the driveway and on to the job.
Now that the snow has stopped, the sun has been out for a bit, folks may stop to vote on their way home.
Just got my third email from Brady campaign to remind me to go vote. Pundits say low turnouts are better for the frontrunners than the other candidates. Will be interesting to see if this holds true in the area.
- Middle Ground - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 4:06 pm:
I wonder if Micheal Madigan is praying Alexi does not win the nom for State Treasurer. With all the ethics problems facing Alexi, it would be a boon for the GOP ticket and a humiliation to the Speaker.
- ISU REP - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 4:18 pm:
Normal: I would assume turnout here would be high especially due to the sheriff’s race. I think Emery claiming he might run as a Dem in the fall if he doesn’t win the primary will make the election in the fall quite entertaining.
- B Hicks - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 4:29 pm:
A Springfield radio station (WMAY) reported at 3:00pm that some of the polling places are reporting as low as 5% of the registered voters have turned out.
Not a good sign for some.
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 4:48 pm:
McLean County Clerk is predicting 30% voter turnout. This is about the same as usual, so the Brady campaign appears to have not gotten out any more voters than usual in his home county.
- HeKnowsBarack - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 5:17 pm:
Wonder where all the Alexander’s Army guys are hanging tonite? More cocktails at Rockits?
- anon - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 6:06 pm:
but it’s who those 30 % are voting for is the answer…that could have changed % wise about 4 pm when the sun came out & the end of work day crowd heads home & votes.
- YNM - Tuesday, Mar 21, 06 @ 6:40 pm:
hey ISU REP nice job getting the vote out on campus … at 3:00 they had seen TWENTY voters … phenomenal … maybe you should have spent more time getting out the vote instead of making some of the comments you made here.
but don’t get mad, i’m just JOKING! :)
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Mar 22, 06 @ 12:25 am:
Anyone else pissed that Zorn called precinct workers “loathesome goons?” I was out today in Cook Co. and I was a passer, not a goon. There’s a difference, isn’t there?