Crespo appears on way to victory in 44th District

Though he wasn't ready yet to declare victory, Democratic state Rep. Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates maintained a sizable lead early Wednesday over Republican challenger Katy Dolan Baumer in their race for the 44th District Illinois House seat.

With 80 percent of precincts reporting, Crespo had 62.9 percent of the total, with 17,295 votes to Baumer's 10,193.

Crespo said he wouldn't declare himself the winner until every vote is counted, but added that he was pleased by the results.

"We worked hard, we did what we had to do," Crespo said. "All we can do is ask people for another two-year contract and win their confidence."

Baumer, the Hanover Township clerk, challenged the longtime Democratic incumbent in his bid for a sixth term.

As in many Illinois House races this fall, the campaign focused on the influence of Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan as much as any other issue or the qualifications the candidates. Crespo argued he's been anything but a puppet of Madigan during his decade in office.