ξ

In a stunning finish, Democratic challenger Brad Schneider won the North Shore 10th Congressional District, narrowly defeating first-term Republican Rep. Robert Dold.

Political newcomer Schneider, 51, won by 2,547 votes with all but two Cook County precincts reporting. He is the first Democrat to win the 10th District in more than 30 years.

This was one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country with Dold, 43, sitting in the most Democratic district currently held by a Republican, according to The Washington Post.

The voter turnout was high, according to Jeff Cohen, 44, a precinct captain in Highland Park.

“There were lines down the hallway at 6 a.m. and it did not let up until 3 p.m.,” said Cohen. “People had passion and conviction much more than normal.”

Schneider and Dold ran a contentious race filled with attack ads and fueled by large contributions from the national Republican and Democratic committees, PACs, and industry. Dold outraised Schneider $4.2 million to $2.5 million, according to opensecrets.org.

Despite the funding challenge, Schneider had an advantage that may have helped him pull ahead and win a tight race.

The 2010 district remapping gave Schneider an edge by adding more Democratic territory to the already Democratic leaning 10th District, which now stretches north from Des Plaines to the Wisconsin border, and west from Lake Michigan to Fox Lake.

“Redistricting destroyed the Senate and House races in Illinois,” said Charlie Caredella, 59, a Dold supporter. “There is no celebration, there is no victory.”

The independent 10th District voters have a long history of splitting the ticket between Republicans and Democrats. The last Democratic Representative elected was Abner Mikva in 1979, who was followed by Republicans John Porter and Mark Kirk.

Dold, who replaced Kirk in 2010, had supporters waiting for him for an election night party at Viper Alley in Lincolnshire amid big screen TVs, balloons, and pumping music.

Around 9:10 p.m., Dold’s 5,000 vote lead started to tumble.

The crowd’s mood went from exuberant to expectant by 9:45 p.m., when word of Schneider’s lead started to spread. Dold was down 2,000 votes with only seven Cook County precincts left to report.

Still the Credence Clearwater Revival song “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” blared as children in Dold sweatshirts danced on stage.

By 10:30 p.m. Dold was down 2,500 votes with only five precincts left to report.

“He’s done a great job for the district – pro choice, good for business, strong supporter of Israel. There is no reason Dold should be the loser,” said supporter Jeff Kaminski, 41, wearing a “Jews for Mitt” button.

After a long wait, Dold and his family walked on stage at 10:45 p.m. Dold told the crowd that he had called Brad Schneider to congratulate him on his win. The crowd moaned.

Dold thanked the staff and volunteers for their support during a 10-minute concession speech, encouraging them to remain active.

“There’s too much at stake to grow disheartened. There’s too much at stake to withdraw from the responsibilities of citizenship,” Dold said. “You and I are here tonight because we understand the special importance of being actively engaged in civic life.”

Dold walked off stage to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” as several people expressed anger and disappointment.

“Tough night for our side. All I have to say is congratulations to Brad Schneider and everyone who won tonight,” said Sam Shapiro, 50, of Highland Park.

Schneider stands with President Obama on many issues. He believes in women’s right to choose, supports Israel, backs the Affordable Care Act, and stands with the president to keep tax cuts for Americans who earn less than $250,000 annually.

“We need to help this middle class grow. We need to get this economy growing. Jobs – quality jobs where people can put a roof over their head and provide education, health care for their kids and plan for a secure retirement,” said Schneider at Red Oak Elementary School in Deerfield after he cast his ballot.

Schneider, who has an MBA from Northwestern and 25 years experience as a management consultant, believes private sector growth is necessary to add jobs and stimulate the economy.

“We need to make sure that we get Washington working for people here back home and put America back on its path providing prosperity and security for our children,” Schneider said.