Circle April 5 on your calendar, because Election Day is not over by a long shot for some aldermanic candidates.
At least 14 races appear on track to stretch out for another six weeks of campaigning, including 10 incumbents going toe-to-toe with challengers vying to take city council seats under mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel.
Among the most-watched runoffs is that of the council's oldest member, Ald. Bernard Stone (50th), facing his second runoff challenge in back-to-back elections. Stone failed to get 50 percent of the vote plus one to defeat Debra Silverstein, wife of state Sen. Ira Silverstein.
The high-profile battle in the 20th ward with Grammy-award winning rapper Che "Rhymefest" Smith also resulted in a runoff with freshman Ald. Willie Cochran.
Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) finished with less than a majority to avoid a runoff against family friend Roderick Sawyer, the son of late Ald. Eugene Sawyer, who became mayor after Harold Washington died.
Freshman Ald. Sharon Dixon (24th) received the most votes among 18 candidates but only received 20 percent of vote. Dixon is headed for a runoff against former Ald. Michael Chandler, who she defeated in 2007.
Uncertainty remains until voters make the final decision in April, but one thing is certain. The winners of the races must tackle a budget crisis under the city's new mayor.
And Emanuel is watching.
