U.S. Senate candidate Cheryle Jackson finished third Tuesday in the race to secure the Democratic nomination to fill the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, who was elected president in 2008.
Also dashed with Jackson’s defeat are hopes that an African American would fill the seat, continuing a legacy started when Carol Moseley Braun was elected. State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias won the Democratic nomination Tuesday and now faces Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk in the November general election. Democrat Roland Burris currently occupies the seat after being appointed last year by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Moseley Braun was elected in 1992 to become the first Black, female senator. But despite the disappointing finish, Jackson said she plans to continue fighting for everyday people. “Tonight we are here for a different kind of victory. Maybe not the victory we wanted but I view tonight as still a victory,” Jackson said Tuesday in her concession speech. “I jumped into this race to give a voice to everyday people. People who are often overlooked by government.” Currently on leave as CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Jackson thanked the organization for putting her on loan to run for the seat. The low voter turnout worked against Black candidates like Jackson, because voter registration in many Black communities was low, said Brian Cosby, a former political consultant to former President Bill Clinton. Early estimates put voter turnout at the mid- to high 20 percent, which, while not a record, was extremely low. “I’m sure had more people voted the results would have turned out much differently,” he said. “It’s not that Cheryle is a bad choice but when there are a limited number of people voting it is easy to win an election.” Jackson’s supporters said they were proud of her and hope she runs for other political office. “She did a great job and I am very proud of her,” said Patricia Holmes, a West Side resident. “I am keeping my fingers crossed that she runs for mayor or some other office next year because I think she would make a fine politician.” But Jackson, who had hoped she could have given her mother a victory to celebrate her birthday, which was also Tuesday, said do not count her out just yet. “Who knows what tomorrow brings for Cheryle Jackson,” she added. The 45-year-old Jackson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in design from Northwestern University, campaigned on the platform of change, a familiar theme Obama successfully used in his bid for the White House. Jackson was appointed to head the Urban League in 2006 and is the organization’s first female president.
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