Harold Washington and Cecil Partee

In 1978, party officials fielded a Democratic primary opponent to then-State Senator Harold Washington, as punishment for his having run against Mayor Bilandic the previous year.

20th Ward Committeeman Cecil Partee disagreed with his colleagues and stuck with the incumbent legislator. His support helped Washington eke out a narrow victory, enabling him to remain viable enough to win subsequent elections as a Congressman and as Mayor.

 Washington reciprocated by backing Partee for re-election as City Treasurer in 1983.