The scene was set—a contentious election season, tons of money pumped into the Dark Arts of campaigning, a hotly contested Illinois Gubernatorial race, and delicious Haymarket Pub beer.

On November 4, WBEZ hosts Niala Boodhoo and Melba Lara, along with producers, technicians, politician wranglers, event staff and over 200 locals descended upon the corner of Randolph and Halsted and covered the elections from 6 p.m. until just after 11 p.m.

Guests included Former Governor Jim Edgar, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Bobby Rush, Senate President John Cullerton, State Senator Heather Steans, State Representative Ron Sandack, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard (former state senator) as well as, NPR’s David Schaper, Reboot Illinois’ Madeleine Doubek, Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn, Chicago Sun-Times Neil Steinberg and former Sun-Times Springfield bureau chief Dave McKinney.

Off the microphone, we were entertained by performers from Oracle Theatre, storytellers Dana Norris and Jim Padar, and the muilti-talented Andrew Edwards on keyboard.

It was a night to remember.

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