Republican McLean County Auditor Michelle Anderson was not hampered by a history of contention with county officeholders of her own party, or a medical leave that took her away from a portion of the campaign.
Anderson defeated Democrat Rob Fazzini and Libertarian Kevin Woodard on Tuesday to win her third full term.
Anderson did not respond to an email seeking comment on her win.
Anderson was leading with 51% of the vote, or a 6,800-vote margin, over second-place finisher Fazzini (42%), as of 11:30 p.m. Woodard had 6% of the vote.
Fazzini said running the race was public service for him.
“I gave the voters a clear choice to either remain with the status quo or embrace my three proposed changes. Let me congratulate the Republican Party and the McLean County Board leadership for their support of Michelle Anderson to continue in the same manner as she has for the past 10 years,” said Fazzini.
Fazzini had wanted to reduce the auditor’s salary, make it nonpolitical, and make future auditors appointed instead of elected. Eighty-five of the 102 Illinois counties have an appointed auditor.
Fazzini said he was not sure why voters did not embrace his proposals.
“I’m guessing we’re a pretty Republican county and many people were voting straight ticket,” said Fazzini.
McLean County voters also struck down a referendum to make the auditor's office appointed in 2014.
The county auditor provides oversight for the county’s finances.
Anderson was appointed McLean County auditor in 2009 and was elected to four-year terms in 2012 and 2016.
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