11:39 p.m.: VIDEO: Democrats grab three County Board seats

For the first time in 30 years, more than one Democrat has won a seat on the DuPage County Board, though Republicans will retain a wide majority.

Republican County Board members Debra Olson and Grant Eckhoff, both of Wheaton, won the race in the 4th District with 100 percent of precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. Incumbent Republican Jim Zay, of Carol Stream, held on to his seat, but with 100 percent of precincts reporting, Democratic challenger Dirk Enger, of Winfield, drew more votes.

Enger will be joined on the board by fellow Democrats Tony Michelassi, of Aurora, in the 5th District and Rita Gonzalez, of Addison, in the 1st District.

“Never give up hope, because ... hope is what this country was founded on,” Enger said at an election night celebration at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers hall in Warrenville. “There (are) going to be better days in DuPage.”

Olson said she and Eckhoff have worked hard to be responsive to residents of their district and will continue to do so in their coming terms.

“I’m very grateful to the voters for putting their trust back in me and Grant to continue working on their behalf in the next four years,” Olson said.

Despite his defeat in the 6th District, Republican challenger Robert Larsen, of Wheaton, remained upbeat.

“I ran the race I wanted to run, I was honest, and did not run a dirty campaign,” he said. “At the end of all this, I will be able to sleep well knowing that.”

Despite an early scare and a close race, incumbent Brien Sheahan, R-2nd District, of Elmhurst, held onto his seat, narrowly defeating Democrat Barb Dahl, of Villa Park. Fellow Republican Patrick O'Shea, of Lombard, held his seat by a more comfortable margin.

Sheahan said he hopes to reach across party lines to work with the newly elected Democrats on a "reform agenda" that calls for more open government and better financial management.

The only incumbent to be defeated Tuesday was Yolanda Campuzano, R-1st District, of Addison. Campuzano, who was elected in 2002, was the first Hispanic member of the County Board. She will be succeeded by Gonzalez, who will be the board's second Hispanic member.

County Board members Paul Fichtner, R-1st District, of Elmhurst, and Jim Healy, R-5th District, of Naperville, also held onto their seats.

Michael Connelly, of Lisle, will vacate his 5th District seat after being elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom will appoint a replacement.

10:37 p.m.:

As early results rolled in Tuesday, Democrats appeared poised to claim a few seats on the DuPage County Board, but Republicans looked as though they would maintain a large majority.

While final results were not available at press time, County Board member Patrick O’Shea, R-2nd District, of Lombard, and Democratic challenger Barb Dahl, of Villa Park, led the 2nd District race with about 66 percent of precincts reporting. County Board member Michael McMahon, R-3rd District, of Hinsdale, and Republican newcomer John Curran, of Woodridge, led in the 3rd District with about 34 percent of precincts reporting.

If the numbers hold, Democrats will snag a seat for the first time since 2000 and only the second time in the last 25 years. There are 12 seats up for grabs this year.

O’Shea remained optimistic Tuesday, but said it was too early to declare victory.

“I’m always tentative because anything can happen in politics,” he said. “That’s the golden rule.”

O’Shea said it appeared Democrats could gain a seat in each of the board’s six districts.
Fellow incumbent Brien Sheahan, R-2nd District, of Elmhurst, credited the Democrats apparent success to the enthusiasm for presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“My sense is that probably half the board ... are going to get caught up in this Obama tide,” Sheahan said.

In the 3rd District, Democrat Bob Brandt jumped to an early lead before falling slightly behind McMahon.

Brandt called the campaigns of Obama and Democratic Congressional candidate Scott Harper a “perfect storm,” without which his early lead likely would not have been possible.

“I’ve got four years and I’ve got promises to fulfill, and I intend to do that (if I win),” Brandt said.
If the early returns hold true, Sheahan will lose his seat.

8:41 p.m.:

At the DuPage County Democratic watch party at the IBEW in Warrenville, candidates and their supporters are just starting to take their seats at round tables.

A large screen is at the front and center of the room is broadcasting presidential election coverage. With 15 percent of the votes counted, Democrat Barbara Dahl is leading the DuPage County Board District 2 race with 29.8 percent of the votes. Republican Patrick O'Shea is right behind with 26.88 percent. In District three Democrat Robert Brand leads the pack with 27.9 percent of votes with 2.4 percent of the precincts reporting. Republican John Curran is next with 24.79 percent.

A crowd of cheers just erupted through the crowd as the big screen showed Obama ahead with 200 electoral votes compared to McCain's 85.

8:11 p.m.:

Members York Township Republican Organization are watching election results at the Elks Lodge on St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.

Early results are starting to roll in, but less than 1 percent of precincts are reporting.

No candidates have arrived, but County Board members Patrick O'Shea, Brien Sheahan and Yolanda Campuzano are expected to make appearances. State Sen. Dan Cronin is also expected.