January 28, 2004
DYNASTIES BATTLE FOES IN 39TH AND 45TH WARDS
The political dynasties that control Chicago's Northwest Side 45th and 39th wards face challenges in the March 16 primary. John D'Amico, grandson of the late Alderman Tony Laurino, indicted on corruption charges, and nephew of current Alderman Marge Laurino, is favored to win the open 15th District Illinois House seat. In the 19th District, incumbent State Representative Joe Lyons, nephew of 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman Tom Lyons, is on track for the Democratic leadership -- and eventually Tom's job as ward committeeman. Lyons faces Jeff Holewinski in the primary. Don't expect either dynasty to falter. Full Article...
January 21, 2004
SPRINGFIELD GOP MINORITY WILL LAST FOR A DECADE
The Chicago Cubs may be the Loveable Losers, but the Republican minority in the Illinois Senate and Illinois House are just plain Losers. Of the 59 Senators, 20 seats are up in 2004; 9 of the 12 Democratic seats are safe, as are all 8 Republican seats. At best, the GOP will gain one seat, barely denting the Democats' 33-26 majority. In the House, all 118 seats are up, and 7 Democrats and 3 Republican seats are vulnerable. Republicans are poised to win two Joliet-Kankakee area seats, one far Downstate seat, and one Lake County seat. Republican incumbents McAuliffe, Coulson and Aguilar are at risk. Expect a four-seat GOP gain. That would put a small dent in the Democrats' current 66-52 majority. Full Article...
January 14, 2004
HERE'S NEW YEAR'S POLITICAL FORECASTS
Putting the cart-before-the-horse, here's some early political predictions, minus the usual analysis. Later columns will analyze these races, but here's how they are shaping up in primaries for the (1) U.S. Senate (Democrat and Republican): Hynes and Ryan; (2) Clerk of the Court: Brown; (3) State Representative (20th and 19th Districts): Capparelli and Lyons; and (4) Ward Committeeman in the 45th and 41st Wards: Lyons, McAuliffe and Capparelli. Full Article...
January 7, 2004
DEMOCRATS CONFOUNDED BY BLACK COUNTYWIDE "SLATE"
Some Chicago and Cook County black Democrats are "dissed" about Mayor Daley and the alleged lack of black empowerment. Six of 20 countywide offices are held by blacks, but an unofficial 6-candidate "black slate" has been fielded for the six Cook County offices up in the 2004 primary. Devine should beat Brewer; Moore should win; but Brown could lose to Orbach. For the MWRD commissioners, the "upset special" is Frank Avila, who could knock off incumbent Gloria Majewski. Full Article...
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