Election campaigns almost always end at a bar -- the winners celebrate the end of a hard-fought campaign, the losers drown their sorrows among the comfort of friends, and reporters (including yours truly) scurry around for quotes.
The fierce Democratic primary for the 77th Assembly seat, with five candidates fighting to fill the shoes of Spencer Black, who is retiring after 26 years, will come to a close Tuesday, Sep. 14, in bars scattered around the district.
Here is where you can find the candidates (in reverse alphabetical order, this time):
- Doug Zwank, the former Middleton mayor, will be one of two places. "If it's a lopsided loss, I probably won't go anywhere," Zwank says. But if the returns look to be in his favor or close, look for him at the Village Green in Middleton.
- Fred Wade will be at the Blue Moon on Old University.
- John Imes will be at the bar at Sundance Cinemas at Hilldale.
- Brett Hulsey will be with friends at the Vintage Brewing Company near Westgate. Sassyfras Cajun Trio will play.
- Dianne Hesselbein will be with her supporters at the Great Dane-Hilldale.
While the losers can be forgiven for having a few too many this night, the winner can't get too soused. He or she has another election to win.
Although the general election is usually a cakewalk for the Democrat in this liberal district, Ben Manski, running for the Green Party, should offer a tough fight on Nov. 2. Manski is having his own bash, promising to "have the most energetic election night party in town" at The Annex, featuring Yid Vicious and Stephanie Rearick. The event will double as a fundraiser, with $7 donations suggested.
The Democratic winner will also face Republican Dave Redick and Constitution Party candidate David Olson.
