American Notes CHICAGO

Ever since Harold Washington became Chicago's first black mayor in 1983, white politicians have spoiled for a rematch. Last week, however, Washington handily defeated former Mayor Jane Byrne in the Democratic primary and established himself as the strong favorite in the April 7 general election.

The 64-year-old incumbent captured 53% of the vote to Byrne's 47%, and now faces a Republican as well as two Democrats running on third-party tickets. They seem likely to split the white vote, which is good news for Washington; he won an estimated 98% of the ballots cast by blacks but only about 20% of those cast by whites in the primary. As far as the mayor is concerned, the more opponents the merrier. "I'm going to run against whoever runs -- singly, doubles, triples," said he. "If they can find a fourth person, we'll run against them too."