Politics & Government

Kalnicky Wins 98th District Race

A Fountaindale Library Board member and head of the Community Service Center, Kalnicky wins spot on November ballot.

Democrat Natalie Manley, a Joliet accountant and political newcomer, ran uncontested in Tuesday’s primary, but Republicans and battled it out to see who would oppose Manley come November.

Under new legislative maps approved last year, the 98th House District includes portions of Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Crest Hill.

With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, Kalnicky looks to be the winner over Silosky, a Plainfield Township Republican precinct committeeman.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As results rolled in, Kalnicky was joined by supporters at in Romeoville.

"So far, so good," he said early in the night, saying his plans were to shift his focus to the November general election.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I plan to take the same message out about fiscal responsibility, not just to the Republican voters who came out today," Kalnicky said, saying he plans to "bring fiscal sanity back to Springfield."

After weeks of pounding the pavement and knocking on doors, however, Kalnicky had more immediate plans Tuesday night.

"Catch up on sleep tomorrow," he said with a laugh. "[It's been] non-stop, a lot of long days," Kalnicky said of the campaign. 

"But it's been rewarding," he said. "The feedback has been great from people. It goes back to [the fact that] the state needs to change course."

After learning he was the projected winner, Kalnicky said he was humbled.

"Being for the first time in a race at this level, I was nervous," he said. "Monday night, I was confident that we had done everything we could to get the message out that we wanted to get out, and the voters chose me ... It's a very humbling experience."

(55/55 precincts reporting)

Candidate

Vote Total

Percentage

Bob Kalnicky

3,361

56.35

Janet Silosky

2,603

43.65

Editor's Note: Results will not be final until April 10, when canvassing of votes is completed, along with tabulations for absentee, provisional and grace period ballots.


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