April 27, 2005
DALEY'S "TROUBLES" PALE BY COMPARISION TO FATHER'S
In April, 2005, Chicago is beset by a glut of anniversaries: It's the 50th of Mayor Richard J. Daley's election in 1955. It's the 16th of Mayor Richard M. Daley's election in 1989. It's the 74th of the creation of the Chicago Democratic Machine in 1931. But one overlooked, but critical, anniversary is Richard J. Daley's 1975 triumph over great adversity and numerous adversaries. This was Daley's Time of Troubles. Corruption was epidemic, the economy stagnating, minorities restive. But the Democratic Machine was built on three premises: dispense jobs, deliver services, and create wealth. Against tough opposition, in a tough political environment, Daley Number One prevailed, winning his sixth term in 1975 with 57.8% against three foes. The Machine is still alive and well under Daley Number Two -- particularly in the creation of wealth. City contractors are hauling in bundles of cash, and some of that is ending up in the mayor's campaign fund. By comparison, Daley II's 2007 election is a cakewalk compared to his dad's 1975 ordeal. If the Old Man could do it in 1975, expect the Kid to prevail in 1975. Full Article...
April 20, 2005
FRANKS WEIGHS '06 PRIMARY CHALLENGE TO BLAGOJEVICH
Acronyms are flying fast and furious in Springfield, as state legislators and staffers compete to concoct those derogatory to the character and temperament of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Gov. E-L-V-I-S is a hit: Erratic, Lazy, Vindictive, Inconsiderate and Spoiled. So is Gov. J-I-V-E: Juvenile, Immature, Vindictive and Egotistical. A work in progress is to find 11 adjectives for B-L-A-G-O-J-E-V-I-C-H. Another work in progress is Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks' likely candidacy for governor in the 2006 primary. Franks has been generating headlines as chairman of a House committee, and a primary bid is a win-win proposition for him: it elevates his name ID, positions him for a future race if he loses, and he will get at least 35% of the vote (and maybe as must as 45%). Dan Walker, Illinois' last Democratic governor, got trounced in the 1976 primary when voters deemed him too erratic. Will it be deja vu all over in 2006? A final acronym: R-E-A-D T-H-I-S A-R-T-I-C-L-E. Full Article...
April 13, 2005
A TALE OF FOUR CITIES: CHANGE IS ERRATIC FORCE
The Democrats' 2005 strategy for winning in Park Ridge and northwest suburban Maine Township was an amalgamation of dumb, dumber and dumbest. First, they ran a hugely flawed candidate for mayor -- a lawyer who had been sanctioned by a federal judge and fined $185,000. Second, they ran an amateurish campaign. And third, they didn't integrate the city campaign with their candidates for township office. Republican Howard Frimark ran a masterful campaign, and was elected mayor with 60.2%. He ran in tandem with Republican Supervisor Bob Dudycz, who won re-election with 58.2%, and who carried Park Ridge with 66.5%. The much-touted Democratic resurgence looks like it's Dead On Arrival. In Harwood Heights and Morton Grove, however, Democrats did resurge, and won nasty mayoral races. Full Article...
April 6, 2005
TOPINKA LEAADS EXPANDING GOP GUBERNATORIAL FIELD
The more the merrier. That's Judy Baar Topinka's recipe to win the Republican primary for Illinois governor in 2006. If she faces the Recyclable Four -- past losers Jim Oberweis, Pat O'Malley, Steve Rauschenberger, and Joe Birkett -- along with Congressman Ray LaHood, Ron Gidwitz, and/or Bill Brady, she will win easily, as her Establishment base will be sufficient to prevail over splintered opposition. But if the field narrows, it gets a bit dicey. And narrow it will. Don't be surprised if LaHood, Gidwitz, O'Malley, Birkett, Rauschenberger and Gidwitz pull the plug. Oberweis, a social conservative who is renowned for his anti-immigration stance, will "spend what it takes." Brady, a Bloomington state senator, is the "new face." Topinka's base of support is a mile wide and an inch deep. Even though she is state treasurer, she has not been outspokenly critical of Gov. Blagojevich's borrowing and spending spree. Topinka is the early favorite to win the GOP primary, but certainly no cinch. Full Article...
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