January 26, 2005
"HOUSE OF SUTKER" LOOKS STRONG IN 2005 ELECTIONS
Cal Sutker may be a legend in his own mind, and there are many who crave the time when he will make his exit as the Democratic Committeeman in north suburban Niles Township, but this much is indisputable: the 81-year old Sutker is a political icon, and his House of Sutker still dominates the politics of Skokie and the township government. And there's several Sutker offspring moving up the ladder. Sutker lost his race for re-election as county commissioner in 2002, and lost a key state legislative contest in 2004. Against organizations outside the township, Sutker's House is unimposing. But against intra-township foes (like the hapless Republicans), the House of Sutker is a colossus. But it is noteworthy that President Bush ran better in the township in 2004 than he did in 2000. The key 2005 race is for mayor of Morton Grove -- Republican Dan Staackmann vs. Democrat Ricky Krier. Full Article...
January 19, 2005
BLAGOJEVICH MUST COMBAT "APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY"
"Criminality" is a strong word, but hell hath no fury like a father-in-law scorned. Chicago Alderman Dick Mell, father-in-law of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, thinks his protégé is the kind of guy who would "throw anyone under the bus" to get ahead. Mell masterminded Blagojevich's rise from state representative to congressman to governor, but now thinks the governor "uses everybody," and that his chief fundraiser is "trading appointments...for $50,000." The governor raised $25 million for his 2002 campaign, and now has $10.2 million cash-on-hand. The Illinois Attorney General and the Cook County State's Attorney are now investigating to determine whether Illinois' so-called "reform" governor is really just Mr. Quid Pro Quo. And Illinois Democrats, who have developed no love for the Gov, are beginning to see him as a Dan Walker-style one-termer. Full Article...
January 12, 2005
HISPANIC POLITICIANS FIGHT TO BE "KING OF MOUNTAIN"
Hispanic politicians in Chicago and Cook County are content to squabble among themselves to be Rey de LaLoma -- King of the Hill -- rather than aspire to be Rey de LaMontana -- King of the Mountain. Already, turf battles are underway, and the city Hired Truck scandal may tarnish the Hispanic Democratic Organization. Nationwide, Hispanic voters are trending Republican; even Puerto Rico elected a Republican as Resident Commisioner. But locally, Hispanics are trending Democratic. In Cicero, long a Republican bastion, a change to a non-partisan election will rescue Town President Ramiro Gonzalez, elected as a Republican in 2003. A poll shows no single Hispanic as the undisputed Hispanic leader. And the 2006 Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District will feature Frank Avila's second try to be elected commissioner, joining his father. Full Article...
January 5, 2005
DEMOCRATS' HISPANIC BASE HAS YET TO MATERIALIZE
There is no Spanish equivalent of oxymoron, so more mundane language is appropriate -- like no mas, no importa, poca casa, de balde, and nada. In Chicago and Cook County, there is no such entity as "Hispanic political power"; Hispanics are largely irrelevant politically. America's Hispanic population is exploding, as is obvious in Illinois, but the political predictions of Hispanic voter dominance has not yet reached fruition, especially locally. National Democrats may be too liberal, as Hispanics are notably conservative on cultural issues. A McCulloch Poll gives Republicans future hope, and portends much Hispanic angst as they try to decide whether to vote their heart or their party. Full Article...
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