April 29, 2009
"VOTER REMORSE" FUELS 2010 TOPINKA COMEBACK
Is Judy Baar Topinka Illinois' Al Gore? Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's dirty campaign and dirty money enabled him to defeat Republican Topinka in 2006. Blagojevich raised and spent over $25 million. "Victimization" is a powerful concept, and voter "remorse" could propel Topinka back to her old job as State Treasurer in 2010. The Republican establishment is trying to steer her into a race for State Comptroller, and have Dan Rutherford, a Pontiac state senator, run for treasurer. The only announced Democrat is State Rep. Robin Kelly, a black from Matteson. In the Cook County Board President race, newfound Republican Paul Vallas is a dud. He fails to criticize the "culture of corruption" and would simply be a Daley stooge if elected. The 2010 Democratic primary for CCBP features Todd Stroger, Toni Preckwinkle, and Forrest Claypool; don't be surprised if Stroger retires. He is simply not electable. DuPage County is attempting a comeback, and Joe Birkett is running for attorney general. He may face Dan Hynes, Julie Hamos or Jack Franks in the election. In the race for lieutenant governor, black Democrat Art Turner is the frontrunner. Full Article...
April 22, 2009
SUBURBAN RACES PRODUCE FEW TRENDS OR CHANGES
The only discernable trend in the 4/7 suburban elections in north and northwest Cook County was no trend. The Jan/Bob Machine won in Evanston, and the Nick Blase Machine won in Niles, despite Blase's bribery plea and resignation. Democrats won heretofor Republican mayoral seats in Des Plaines and Franklin Park, and Republicans won Democratic-held posts in Harwood Heights and Morton Grove. Incumbents won in Lincolnwood, Arlington Heights, Rosemont, Melrose Park and Mt. Prospect, but were ousted in Berwyn, Bensenville and Palatine. In suburban Maine Twp., the Republicans won a narrow victory. And in an oddity, a conservative Republican beat a moderate Republican for mayor in Park Ridge, riding the crest of a referendum rejecting a $16 million police station. Hispanic State Sen. Marty Sandoval scored a big win in Berwyn. My pre-election predictions: 75% correct. RIGHT in Harwood Heights, Evanston, Des Plaines, Morton Grove, Franklin Park, Lincolnwood, and partially right in Park Ridge (police referendum and "Frimark...very much in doubt"), but WRONG in Niles, Park Ridge mayoral outcome, Niles and Maine Twp. Full Article...
April 15, 2009
WHITE ALDERMEN RETAIN CITYCOUNCIL DOMINANCE, BUT SOME COULD RETIRE IN 2011
There is a correlation between "clout" and race in Chicago's city council. The 23 white aldermen have served an average of 18.3 years, the 19 black aldermen an average of 8.2 years, and the 8 Hispanic aldermen an average of 11.25 years. That means white aldermen chair almost all the key committees, giving them staff and fundraising capability -- and the ability to get re-elected. In 2011, several powerful white aldermen could retire: Bill Banks (36th), Dick Mell (33rd), Vi Daley (43rd) and Brian Doherty (41st). But most will run again, including Berny Stone (50th), Pat O'Connor (40th), Marge Laurino (39th), Pat Levar (45th), Tom Allen (38th) and Gene Schulter (47th) -- all chairmen; plus Joe Moore (49th) and Helen Shiller (46th). Stone faces a tough race, as do Moore and Shiller. Moore is eyeing a congressional bid in 2010. Full Article...
April 8, 2009
LEVAR HAS TOUGH FIGHT FOR ALDERMAN IN 2011
Here's the good news: Chicago's next municipal election is a blessed 730 days away. And the bad news: The 2011 campaign is already underway in the City of Never-Ending Elections. Much depends on Mayor Rich Daley: To retire or remain? That is the question. If Chicago wins the 2016 Olympics, Daley will run in 2011 -- and win. On the Northwest Side, 45th Ward Alderman Pat Levar is not yet toast, but a gaggle of critics are ready to stick a fork in him. John Arena called Levar "indecisive" and a "control freak." Greg Sedlacek said the ward "stinks" and raps Levar's propensity to put family on the public payroll. Anna Klocek tabbed him the "mayor's alderman" and called for "change." Terry Boyke and Bruno Bellissimo are also in the mix. Levar defends himself as a "nuts-and-bolts" alderman, and trumpets a laundry list of "accomplishments" since 1987. He's Chicago's "Most Endangered" alderman. This much is certain: Levar will not enjoy the next 730 days. The election is April 5, 2011. Full Article...
April 1, 2009
REPUBLICAN COLLAPSE LIKELY IN MAINE TOWNSHIP CONTEST
It's been 140 years since a Democrat was elected supervisor in northwest Cook County's Maine Township, but change is imminent. Appointed incumbent Carol Teschky (R) has an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. Democrat Peter Ryan rips her as a "cipher" who has "no accomplishments." In the past four years, township contractors have contributed $50,000 to the Republicans, which Ryan said is "evidence" of "pay-to-play" politics, which he promised to ban. Republican factionalism may be Teschky's undoing. Ryan is a slight favorite on 4/7. In the Park Ridge mayor's race, "Reagan Republican" Dave Schmidt is giving Republican incumbent Howard Frimark a scare, as he's attacking from the flanks: Hitting Frimark from the right for spending, and getting support from the left -- anti-Frimark, anti-development liberals and Democrats. Frimark is only a narrow favorite. Full Article...
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