Chicago alderman candidate arrested at polls

[April 06, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago election officials say a candidate for alderman on the city's South Side has been arrested at a polling place for allegedly harassing an election judge.

Cook County Board of Election Commissioners spokesman Jim Allen says community activist Hal Baskin and an associate were arrested Tuesday afternoon after Baskin allegedly entered a school and started shouting at a judge while supporters chanted. Baskin was charged with obstruction of justice.

Baskin was challenging Alderman JoAnn Thompson in one of 14 aldermanic runoffs Tuesday.

Chicago police confirmed two arrests were made at the polling place but did not immediately have further details. It was not clear if Baskin remained in custody.

Baskin's campaign said in an email that he had no immediate comment but was preparing a statement.

[Associated Press]

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