To the Editor: 

As I write this letter, three days after the Democratic Primary, 
we still don't know who will be the Democratic nominee in the 
78th House District (which includes much of Chicago’s west 
side and parts of Oak Park, River Forest, and Proviso Township). 
Based on the best numbers currently available, it appears
that Dorothy Reid and Deborah Graham are tied, 6,934 votes
to 6,934 votes. 

There is some poetic justice to this situation.  We have two 
excellent candidates.  We have two well-conceived and well-
executed campaigns that transcended geography and old 
political lines.  We have two compelling messages that clearly
resonated with voters across the district.  It is a great
misfortune that we can have only one State Representative. 

While one candidate must lose, our communities will not.  
Both Deborah Graham and Dorothy Reid are well qualified
to represent us, both have the best intentions to be true 
public servants, both are honorable people, both ran fair 
and issues-oriented campaigns, and both have built coalitions 
across Austin Boulevard.  The real surprise in this election 
is how well Dorothy Reid campaigned in Austin and how 
well Deborah Graham campaigned in Oak Park.  It is a
testament to both candidates, and both of our communities 
are better for their efforts.

For now, we can only ask that every vote be counted fairly
and fully.  Let the will of the voters be heard.  If the election
truly results in a tie, there will be a game of chance to 
determine the winner (which seems somehow both fitting
and absurd).  Regardless of the outcome, however, we have 
all won.  As the Democratic candidate for the State Senate, 
I will have the great honor of running with a terrific 
candidate for State Representative, be it Deborah Graham or
Dorothy Reid.  I am grateful for the opportunity, I look 
forward to it, and I thank everyone who voted for Dorothy, 
Deborah, or me for making it possible.

 Sincerely, 

 Don Harmon

Democratic Candidate for
Illinois State Senate, 39th District