2002 - Attorney General Election

VS.

 

In 2002 DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett faced off against then-State Senator Lisa Madigan, daughter of Illinois House Speaker and State Democratic Chairman Mike Madigan.

Despite the vast difference in their experience as attorneys - Birkett had served in the DuPage state’s attorney’s office for over 20 years while Madigan had served a few years in a Chicago law firm - Madigan’s fundraising advantage and her father’s influence eventually won out.

Madigan defeated Birkett by a narrow margin, 50% to 47%.  Patrick Hughes DID NOT vote in this close election.