GOP draws top spot on Cook ballot

Republicans claimed the top spot on the ballot in Cook County for the fall general election in a lottery conducted Monday by Clerk David Orr.

Cards marked for the Republican, Democratic and Green parties were placed in pill bottles and shaken in a fish bowl at the clerk's office in downtown Chicago before Director of Elections Jan Kralovec drew them out one at a time. The Republicans were drawn first, followed by the Democrats and Greens.

That will be the order for all races on the ballot in Cook County for the Nov. 2 general election.

"Every candidate always likes to be in the top slot, and we're excited about having that opportunity in this election cycle," said Cook GOP Chairman Lee Roupas. "Every little bit counts. That top ballot spot can certainly make a difference in a close election."