Sam Ackerman's lark

Sam Ackerman (a White Independent) was elected Democratic State Central Committeeman in the overwhelmingly Black 1st congressional district in 1978. It was a big surprise to almost everybody.

He was just a protest candidate. But he drew a favorable ballot position in a very low visibility contest and his adversaries didn’t bother campaigning much for his opponent.

The guy he beat, 21st Ward Alderman Bennett Stewart, was elected Congressman later that year with less than 60% of the vote in one of the nation’s most heavily Democratic districts.

Stewart was trounced in the next primary election by then-State Senator, and future Chicago Mayor, Harold Washington.