CHICAGO -- A high-profile campaign on the city's South Side saw voters choosing between three candidates: Sandi Jackson, the wife of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.; alderman Darcel Beavers, who recently filled the seat of her father, William Beavers; and Ronald David, who took a leave of absence from the Chicago police force to run.
With 97 percent of Seventh Ward precincts reporting Wednesday morning, Sandi Jackson has 57 percent of the votes cast to incumbent Darcel Beavers' 33 percent.
Jackson bills herself as an agent of change and she said that is what the ward is seeking. Accompanied by her husband and children, Jackson voted at Black Magnet School on Coles Street.She's a veteran of politics, not just because of her husband's position, but as a trainer of organizers for the Democratic National Committee. Jackson is on leave from that job, hoping to pick up a new one as alderman of the 7th ward, and said her experience and contacts set her apart. If elected, Jackson said her first order of business would be to bring down the neighborhood police cameras."They stigmatize our community," she said. "They tell businesses our community is not a safe place to be. We know this is a great community to live in and to raise children in, and I want to make sure we have balanced growth throughout."Jackson said she didn't take the race for granted.Her campaign spent well over $200,000 -- far more than either of her opponents -- to get her name and message out to voters.David, who is considered the long shot, said he's seen a decline in the 7th ward during his 25 years on the force, and that time has also allowed him to hear the concerns of the area's residents.
