Ever since Harold Washington became Chicago's first black mayor in 1983, white politicians have spoiled for a rematch. Last week, however, Washington handily defeated former Mayor Jane Byrne in the Democratic primary and established himself as the strong favorite in the April 7 general election.
The 64-year-old incumbent captured 53% of the vote to Byrne's 47%, and now faces a Republican as well as two Democrats running on third-party tickets. They seem likely to split the white vote, which is good news for Washington; he won an estimated 98% of the ballots cast by blacks but only about 20% of those...
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