Down Ballot: How a Local Campaign Became a National Referendum on Abortion

by Patrick Wohl

Winner of the 2025 "Best of Illinois History" Award from the Illinois State Historical Society

In 1990, a suburban Chicago race for state representative between Penny Pullen and Rosemary Mulligan unexpectedly became a national proxy battle over abortion in the United States. But the hard-fought primary also illustrated the overlooked importance of down-ballot contests in America’s culture wars. Patrick Wohl offers the dramatic account of a rollercoaster campaign that, after attracting political celebrities and a media circus, came down to thirty-one votes, a coin toss to determine the winner, and a recount fight that set a precedent for how to count dimpled chads. As the story unfolds, Wohl provides a rare nuts-and-bolts look at an election for state office from its first days through the Illinois Supreme Court decision that decided the winner--and set the stage for a decisive 1992 rematch.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History

198 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Patrick Wohl is the author of "Something Big" (Post Hill Press) and "Down Ballot" (3 Fields Books / Illinois Press). An attorney, he received his JD from Georgetown University and BA from The George Washington University.

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 ✶) Down Ballot is an engaging, quick read that focuses on the battle for a single Illinois State Representative seat, featuring Abortion access as the central issue. Despite what one might think initially, this contest was during the Republican primary, rather than the general election.
I found the book to provide a welcome introduction to how a campaign is run at the local level, as well as some relevant character background for the two candidates involved.

Coincidentally, after finishing this book, I found out that my parents were friends with Rosemary Mulligan while working in Springfield.

My thanks to the University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously fascinating account of how all local politics are actually national. Terrific debut!

I put aside personal bias for this review, as Patrick took my Uncle Darren to Small Claims Court over a flat screen TV in 2007.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through an interview with the author by my friend Madeline, at my local library. I was fascinated hearing him talk about the story behind the book, and I was not disappointed when I actually read it. It’s clear Patrick did a lot of research, and he did a great job of tying it together into an interesting story format. He also painted a very fair portrait of both Penny and Rosemary, from what I could tell.

I loved the chance to read about past events in my adopted town, and especially all the ways in which they connected (and still connect) to national politics. The book is a great reminder of how important community involvement is. I would definitely read more by Patrick in the future if he decides to write more!

[Sophia Kittell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic and one I know I am going to revisit and recommend to fellow campaign staffers and consultants and those who have no experience with campaigns. Wohl balances the context of the race, the overall political climate, and personal histories quite well, while also making this an engaging and compelling read. The breakdown of the technical aspects of campaigning and overall strategy, specifically in down ballot races, is well explained and would make this an enjoyable read for those who do not have firsthand experience. This book really highlights why down ballot races are so crucial and tells a fascinating story while doing so.

Thank you NetGalley and 3 Fields Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlie Vinopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and very relevant for today. Patrick Wohl examines the importance and impact of local elections through a real-life state congressional campaign. Important issues represented by the candidates in a tightly contested district, as well as precedent set in the courts leading to important national elections. As true today - - - every vote counts and all politics is local. I learned a ton and thoroughly enjoyed every page. PICK IT UP!

[Kit Garton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Incredibly compelling and hilarious at the same time. Being from the area talked about in the book made it extra fun to read. It focuses on one primary race for state representative in Illinois, which lets it get into details and gives it space to make the people compelling characters. I loved it!

[Lisa Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Wohl’s first title is a triumph - incredibly well-researched, thoughtful, nuanced, and thought-provoking. Thank you for bringing this historical race to center stage. I look forward to reading it a second time!