May 30, 2012
"LEAGUE OF LOSERS" ANGLING FOR GOVERNOR
Try, try again. Persistence pays. Losing is not necessarily fatal in politics. The 2014 contest for governor features three prior losers, and whether Mitt Romney wins or loses the presidency in 2012 will have a profound effect on whether a Republican can be elected Illinois' governor in 2014.Full Article...
May 23, 2012
COMMISSIONER SILVESTRI'S "SHELF LIFE" NEARING EXPIRATION
Like any bio-degradable product, politicians have a "shelf life." After a time, foods become inedible, and are tossed. After a time, politicians become unelectable, and are tossed -- or presciently retire. Cook County Commissioner Pete Silvestri's "shelf life" will soon expire: As Elmwood Park village president in 2013, and as 9th Dist. commissioner in 2014. The "boss" of Leyden Township, Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens, will waste a lot of money and manpower trying to rescue Silvestri.Full Article...
May 16, 2012
"PLANTATION POLITICS" IS BACK ON CHICAGO'S WEST SIDE
After a 40-year hiatus, "Plantation Politics" is back on Chicago's black-majority West Side. The old plantation bosses -- Eddie Quigley, Jake Arvey, Artie Elrod and Bernie Neistein -- controlled their votes through patronage jobs, turkeys and bail bondsmen. The new "masters" -- Mike Madigan, John Cullerton and Don Harmon -- control their plantation through money. The Big Green elects compliant and obedient black legislators and aldermen. Money connotes power, said one West Side black, and blacks vote for the candidate who is perceived to have power.Full Article...
May 9, 2012
"GOSSIP AND SPECULATION": LOCAL POLITICAL REVIEW
And now for something completely different. Instead of the usual plethora of facts and figures, how about an abundance of gossip and speculation? Here's the latest tidbits on political stumbles, fumbles and rumbles in Chicago's 36th, 45th and 38th wards, and in "Mad" Rosemary Mulligan's suburban House distict.Full Article...
May 2, 2012
"RABBIT RAHM" CRAFTS "TRUST ME" PLOY AND IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT
Watch the rabbit. We're speaking of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In the criminal defense lexicon, to "rabbit" means to bolt and bail and not face jail. In politics, it means to leave your mess for your successor. "Rabbit Rahm" is off and running for president, and his $1.7 billion "transformative" infrastructure is a 'Trust Me" proposition -- and Stage One of his 2016 presidential bid.Full Article...
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