* Rahm Emanuel has issued a statement without mentioning his interest…
“While Mayor Daley surprised me today with his decision to not run for reelection, I have never been surprised by his leadership, dedication and tireless work on behalf of the city and the people of Chicago,” said Emanuel
A senior Obama Administration official said Emanuel is likely to run for the post. “I’d be shocked if he doesn’t run,” the official said.
I’m not sure who feeds Chris Cillizza, so I can’t tell you how high up that really goes. One thing’s for sure, Emanuel could raise millions of dollars right out of the gate. But he’ll have some big trouble with some major elements within organized labor.
CNN is more reserved…
A source close to Emanuel tells CNN that it’s complicated. He takes his job seriously and feels a responsibility to see out his duties serving the President during difficult times. That said he’s made no secret of the fact that he’s always wanted to be Mayor of Chicago, a city he served in the House of Representatives.
The source close to Emanuel says he will probably look at the open seat as an option but has some time to make the decision.
* A kabillion names are floating around right now. Lisa Madigan, Tom Dart, Terry Peterson, Danny Davis, Mike Quigley, Jim Houlihan, Miguel Del Valle, James Meeks, John Fritchey and all the other usual suspects are being discussed.
One of the least mentioned - but whose name was floated by somebody this afternoon who could back her to the hilt - is Valerie Jarrett. Interesting.
Continue guessing in comments if you feel like it.
But here’s a question to ponder: As of right now, for what one thing will Daley be remembered most?
* 3:55 pm - This group has only 1700 signatures on its online petition, so I’m not paying much attention to it yet, even though they are getting some national coverage...
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which sought to drag the White House toward a public option during the health care fight, blamed Rahm Emanuel then for the failure, and co-founder Adam Green is out with a scorching statement on his possible mayoral campaign:
“Rahm is unfit to represent Democrats in office. He’s a cancer on the Democratic Party. Democrats’ current 2010 situation is due to a weak Rahm Emanuel mentality that says water down real reform at the urging of Republicans and corporations, thus making Democratic reform less popular with voters than the real deal would have been. If Democrats had passed the overwhelmingly-popular public option and broken up the big banks when they had the chance, they’d be cruising for a landslide victory right now.”
* 3:59 pm - Ald. Walter Burnett says the city council’s Black Caucus will meet tomorrow to discuss the mayoral vacancy.
* From SEIU President Tom Balanoff…
Mayor Richard M. Daley has provided Chicago with a lifetime of public service. The Service Employees International Union’s Illinois State Council wants to thank him for his work. This economic recession has made clear that Chicago needs a strong advocate for working families. SEIU represents 100,000 members in Chicago–a strong voice for workers and working families.
* 4:03 pm - Politico reports Rahm wants Valerie Jarrett as chief of staff…
Emanuel has told Chicago associates, a source tells me, who he believes will likely succeed him: Senior Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett.
* 4:06 pm - Congressman Danny Davis throws a brushback pitch at Emanuel and reminds the DC media that there is life outside the Beltway…
Davis said Emanuel wouldn’t be able to waltz away with the mayorship, describing that as a “Beltway notion.”
“All politics is local,” he said. “In Chicago, if you are out of sight, then you are pretty much out of mind,” Davis said, noting that Members of Congress go home every weekend. “When the bell rings, all of the Chicago representatives are on the airplane coming home, because they know they need to be in direct contact with their constituents, or somebody else is going to be on the plane.”
If Emanuel runs, “he’ll need to come and put his feet on the ground like any other candidate” and see if he can put together a coalition to win, Davis said.
“There’s nobody who’s got a corner on this,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a frontrunner.”
* 4:55 pm - Attorney General Lisa Madigan…
“I am focused on winning my race for attorney general so that I can continue to fight for the people of Illinois. I would like to thank Mayor Daley and Maggie Daley for their service and dedication to the people of Chicago.”
* 5:15 pm - John Fritchey…
Fritchey said in an interview today that his recent talk of running for mayor was “never predicated” on having another candidate in the race. “I’ve stated that the public is interested in having choices. It’s clear now they’ll have a choice,” he said.
Would he be among those choices? Fritchey told Progress Illinois, “It would be an honor and privilege to serve as mayor of this city.” A decision will come “sooner rather than later.”
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:57 pm:
Remembered most for closing Meigs Field. That was a good decision, too in my opinion.
It will be interesting to see what the Aldies do. That is, all the aldermen who want the job but don’t relish unemployment….
- Jack S. - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:59 pm:
Knome, you beat me by just a few minutes. I was thinking the same thing.
I also think the city has never looked better. That’s Daley’s doing, whether or not you agree with how he did it (with cronies).
- ZC - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:00 pm:
My guess is a sort of grab-bag of all his “sustainable urban living initatives”: a focus on the trees, iron fences, green buildings, bike paths, the planters in downtown, etc. The idea that a great urban city can look and feel naturally beautiful. A runner-up would probably be Millenium Park.
- Logical Thinker - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:00 pm:
The 3:55 pm update is the reason Rahm can’t come home to run for mayor. Also, can you imagine how vocal Blago will be?
Daley will be remembered most for cleaning up and beautifying the city and heading the rebirth of the great city. These are the things that will be written eventually. Since everything else is fresh in our minds, the parking meters and Olympics are going to muddy the waters short-term.
- What's in a name? - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:01 pm:
I think history will be kind to the Mayor. No one can argue the City of Chicago isn’t a better place now than when he took over.
- Red Ranger - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:03 pm:
Millennium Park: it is symbolic of his entire term as mayor. It looks nice, took under-used property and made it great, public/private partnership, cultural spot, tourist spot, a place city people go, a place suburban people go, elements of environmentalism contained in the park, AND its a budget buster, tons of his friends got rich off it, patronage dump, open delayed again and again and continues to cost way more than anticipated.
I think it sums up his reign nicely.
- WELL... - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:03 pm:
I think Valerie Jarrett would make an interesting candidate someone who knows the inner workings of city hall.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:04 pm:
Just heard Sen. Kwame Raoul mentioned as a potential candidate. This could get interesting.
- George - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:08 pm:
Just being the mayor.
While politicians these days have to be all splashy and grab at headlines, the mayor’s biggest asset was that he was the defacto - the norm. The hum in the background.
Chicago won’t be like that again for a long time.
Blago changed the Governor’s role in Illinois into a spectacle, and it will never be the same. We will have spectacle after spectacle for many terms to come in Chicago. And we will likely see a three-way race-tainted battle for many elections to come.
- dhack - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:08 pm:
Cillizza was the first to break that Lisa wasn’t running for Senate last year…that had to come from the WH, likely has pretty good sources.
- belmont cragin kid - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:08 pm:
I like Valerie Jarrett alot. She was the only one who could rope in Kreusi at CTA. Honestly, I’m still looking and none of these names grabs me and says “YES.” Still hoping for someone new to come out of this, someone different, honest and brilliant. would anyone like that run for Mayor?
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:09 pm:
Daley will be remembered for two things:
1. Continued corruption; and
2. Meigs.
The second is sort of ironic, since the Museum Campus (re-locating LSD) and his later move to screw up Grant Park by adding a building had a greater impact than Meigs, but nothing beats midnight bulldozers.
- poliscibuff - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:09 pm:
Prediction: Houlihan comes out of retirement to finally stick a finger in the eye of the Machine. Think about it. He can rally the old lakefront liberals/newbie reformers through his recent defiance of the Madigan/Daley Machine. He has the southside african american vote from his time working with Harold Washington. He has some very deep pocketed business community friends. He has way more experience than any of the other potentials.
- George - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:10 pm:
A lot of new people here today…
- Government Can Do Better - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:12 pm:
I give the mayor credit for insisting that the schools improve. This important effort has kept families in the city and shows that schools can improve. Much work remains to ensure that all neighborhoods benefit from the changes being made at CPS. The next mayor needs to keep up the pressure on teachers, administrators, parents and students to work harder.
I’ve also got kudos for Mrs. Daley. She saw an opportunity and created something unique in After School Matters. Well done Maggie! Keep those park district managers on their toes. Too bad they couldn’t figure out how to involve the Forest Preserve workers!
I think it is time for change.
- Cosmic Charlie - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:12 pm:
The people I think are most intriguing possibilities are Lisa Madigan, Anita Alvarez and Mike Quigley.
Not saying they are my preference just the most intriguing.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:12 pm:
===The 3:55 pm update is the reason Rahm can’t come home to run for mayor.===
Yeah. I clearly remember their overwhelming success with Tom Geoghegan’s campaign. lol
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:12 pm:
Danny Davis comes home? Wow. As a guy who lives in his district, I never knew that he came home at all.
Note to Danny Davis: Coming home is not enough. You actually have to come home and listen to some voters. Or stay in D.C. and do something for them.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:13 pm:
poliscibuff, you’re dreaming. Not saying he wouldn’t be a player, but he’d have the African-American vote? Yeah. OK.
- fed up - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:17 pm:
Anita Alverez doesnt live in Chicago
- Segatari - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:17 pm:
>“Rahm is unfit to represent Democrats in office. He’s a cancer on the Democratic Party. Democrats’ current 2010 situation is due to a weak Rahm Emanuel mentality that says water down real reform at the urging of Republicans and corporations, thus making Democratic reform less popular with voters than the real deal would have been. If Democrats had passed the overwhelmingly-popular public option and broken up the big banks when they had the chance, they’d be cruising for a landslide victory right now.”
Really? This guy is so delusional and clueless to realize how unpopular those positions are and the voters at large would support Obamacare even less than it is now. The guy represents a fringe minority that can never garner enough support to even get %2 of the vote.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:18 pm:
This comes down to dollars. Ed Burke, sitting on about $7 million will be a key factor here, if he chooses to invest it in a candidate, ala Pat Quinn in the primary against Dan Hynes.
The top two candidates move on. As I said before, the Alderman would rather be re-elected than come in third so any discussion of Fioretti, Waugespack, etc is not realistic. Ironically, these guys would have fared better against Daley than the field.
So, who does that leave? Self funders (not likely to be elected) and those who can raise a snit load of money between now and the next reporting period.
- reformer - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:18 pm:
John Fritchey is fit, (very) tan & ready!
- PPHS - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:19 pm:
Have all of the Daleys been ruled out?
I just turned on the Internet and am playing catch up.
- Segatari - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:20 pm:
>Remembered most for closing Meigs Field. That was a good decision, too in my opinion.
Using the bogus excuse of making Chicago a no-fly zone which was lifted just weeks later. This was a horrid abuse of power by a crooked Mayor stealing people’s livihoods by executive fiat.
- Who cares - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:20 pm:
I can’t imagine Lisa Madigan wanting the job. Am I off base?
- ILPundit - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:23 pm:
Lisa Madigan is sitting on over $4 million and has no real opposition this fall…just sayin.
- The Captain - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:23 pm:
November 2 turnout in the City just went way, way up. D-2s don’t get filed until January, petitions don’t get filed until mid-November, the first chance any of these mayoral wannabes have to show any sort of strength is the turnout in their base on 11/2. If this is still a free for all, that’s how everyone is going to grade the candidates, and they’re going to kill themselves trying to one up each other. And Democratic performance in these various bases is anywhere from the 60% range to the mid 90% is the African American areas. The Democratic slate just got a huge, huge boost.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:23 pm:
I predict the following candidates:
Dart
Fioretti
Houlihan
Rahmbo
Doc “Unstoppable” Walls
Plus a gaggle of others of various racial, ethnic and political hues.
This is gonna be a race to get in the runoff.
Theoretically and very possibly a candidate could make the runoff with less than 25 percent of the initial vote.
This is gonna be fun.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:24 pm:
The Captain is probably right, and it’s been something I’ve also pondered today. The strength currency will be votes.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:25 pm:
Although I live and work in the burbs I spend a lot of time in the city. Over the summer we had a series of houseguests and went into Chicago 10-12 different times with them. (Baseball, theatre, dinners, music festivals, architecture tours, boat rides, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, museums etc,) The core of the city and skyline from all directions is gorgeous and vibrant. A jewel. A wonder to behold. City was immaculately clean and filled with flowers. Guests all said Chicago is the most beautiful city they have ever visited–and meant it. Mayor Daley loves the city of Chicago and he deserves much credit for how it looks and feels. I hope the new mayor next year feels the same way and views the city with pride and an equal desire to keep making it better and better.
- Dino - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:25 pm:
Methinks Jarrett will take a shot at this.
She’s clearly interested in public office–she wanted the Obama Senate seat, took a public role in the Olympic push, and from the White House has continued to keep her finger in any matter touching on Chicago. (and who could forget she was the Grand Marshal of the Bud Billiken Parade this year–a sign of political ambition if there ever was one). Not that I think this is a prospect that should be welcomed–she was terrible in underfunding CTA pensions and capital needs and atrocious in her treatment of people who lived in North Kenwood and Woodlawn in her city development and Habitat roles. She would be insane not to look at this–she could beat Emanuel because she’d get blacks plus a decent piece of the white vote (that dislikes Emanuel’s WHite House triangulation and remembers his treatment of Nancy Kazsak).
- poliscibuff - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:26 pm:
Rich - You’re right. The african american vote will be divided among the half dozen or so black candidates that will probably end up running. I should have said …”in the general election.”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:29 pm:
Valerie Jarrett could be a strong candidate.
And the story that Rahm leaked to Politico that he’s backing her for White House chief of staff suggests that Rahm may see that as a possibility.
- And I Approved This Message - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:33 pm:
To people paying close attention, Daley will be remembered most for his ability to co-opt his opposition and consolidate power. Everything else that happened, both the good and the bad, stem from that.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:35 pm:
Three words: Mayor Jesse White……
- dave - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:37 pm:
Pretty shocked that no one has mentioned (on this thread, at least) Scott Lee Cohen as a candidate. Also wouldn’t be surprised, at all, to see Blago file. He’s crazy enough.
- chicago - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:37 pm:
wow, knome. you’re the first one to mention him, I’m surprised it took so long. i think jesse is the one guy that would clearly be the frontrunner if he chose to run. that said, i don’t think he wants it.
- Politica - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:41 pm:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ald.Doherty threw his name in the ring. He could get the Irish vote, and he’s already trying to run for higher office. He’s said before he’d like to be Mayor one day.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:44 pm:
Shakespeare comes to mind regarding the end of Daley’s career:
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Cæsar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones.
He may be remembered for the good, but there is a whole lotta problems he has left for the next “da mare”.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:47 pm:
Sorry, but if the Dems lose the midterms as badly as expected, Obama needs to clean house and fire “advisors” (nee: friends) like Jarrett. If Dem voters were to nominate someone like Jarrett or Emanuel after the way the White House has been run over the past two years, they deserve to get incompetent public servants who will run their home city into the ground just as quickly as they have run D.C. into the ground. And yeah, I know people on this blog will attack me for these comments, but that is something Chicago Dems will have to consider next February.
- JakeCP - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:49 pm:
I never thought this day would happen, I thought for sure he would run again for re-election. Wow I am speechless.
- CircularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:53 pm:
Proving he is a low rent mope apparently NoTaxBill and Daddy’Little Deduction for a case of lock jar today. Much like the way St. Jim Edgar treated the city. Another reason not to elect this pair.
BTW I assume the FOP endorsement means an end to the conversation on pension reform.
Bruce….Bruce ya out there
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:57 pm:
How about coming at this as voters would?
What do Chicagoans want after watching the City and County stagnate for so long?
If they want change, they will want a candidate that is different from Daley in what way? Candidates who think they can present a new continuum a Daley without the corruption and fatigue are different from a candidte that is obviously different from Daley.
Emanuel is not as big a change as voters may want. Dart might have voters hearts but that may not be enough. Jarrett may have the connections but she may not represent the change voters want.
Play all the political games you want but without knowing where Chicagoans want to go from here gets you nowhere. Does Chicago want a strong economic and pro business future? Does Chcago just want a more efficient government? Does Chicago want to attract families again?
Until we know we dont know. Dynasties strangle ideas and movements. Daley has been Mayor so long I dont think we know what voters are going to really vote for.
That includes these so called major political players named so far on this blog.,
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 4:57 pm:
Daley will be remembered for millennium park, planters full of flowers, Navy Pier rennovation, McCormick expansion, iron fences, taking over CPS, a lot of downtown beautification projects. Seriously, he cleaned up the city, at least the loop, the mag mile, the beaches.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:00 pm:
This is going to be a hornets nest of a race, but Rahm will be the frontrunner.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:00 pm:
There’s still room on Roland’s tombstone for this, right?
- kj - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:01 pm:
What is Dan Hynes up to?
- CircularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:02 pm:
Joe Berrios….after thrashing Forrest Gump he will be ready to roll
- George - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:04 pm:
Wow… LMad’s statement is very noncommittal for someone I thought wouldn’t want it.
could she be considering it?
- belmont cragin kid - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:06 pm:
VM - why do you think voters want something other than Daley? he didn’t lose - he left and given no other viable option, voters would have backed him again. It looks more like voters want another Daley - not someone opposite.
- Inishmean - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:17 pm:
I am with Danny Hynes… Knows how to campaign, no longer in a job, has the most recent political operation.
This will be a heavily fractured vote but here is the good news…. PEOPLE (and by that I pray/mean Democrats) will show up to the polls now.
No matter who steps in… this is a good precursor to what happens when Madigan leaves Springfield
- Inishmean - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:17 pm:
What about Madigan?
- Inishmean - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:18 pm:
I mean Speaker Madigan? Would he even consider it?
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:19 pm:
captain, I disagree with you about the lighting a fire under the dem base for Nov 2nd. Many will be vying for Mayor, and many will be in safe positions to run for mayor and hold onto to the offices they currently hold. The mayor’s race isn’t going to be a lopsided blow-out. it will be a free for all, with one lucky guy or gal squeaking through. There’s just way too much at stake to not take a stab at it. In many cases it’ll just mean politicians staying on in the offices they already hold.
Rahm’s potential to raise money shouldn’t be a threat to anyone who has mayoral aspirations, the more the merrier. I’m agreeing with Danny Davis…if the election were held today, Rahm would NOT win. That’s why no one should fear Rahm today, tomorrow on Nov 2 on Jan 1 or at all!
:)
- Pat collins - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:21 pm:
for what one thing will Daley be remembered most?
Chicago is not Detroit. It is a vibrant, living city.
It certainly did not have to end up that way. Here, one man DID make a difference.
- Independent - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:22 pm:
The next mayor will have to deal with incredible budget problems, which were exacerbated by Daley’s blowing almost all of a lump sum supposed to last 75 years on one budget. Anyone who dreams of being Boss as Daley was should think again. The aldermen will not be the meek little lambs they were during Daley’s reign.
I hope whoever runs is not doing it only for the power and glory. The winner will not be all-powerful and the hard work needed to clean up after Daley will not be glamorous.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:25 pm:
The other potentate in IL politics still rules Springfield…what if Mike was kidnapped by aliens tonight? Every political office in the state would be up for grabs…if only….
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:25 pm:
I agree with Independent. A football fan I know compares it to succeeding Pete Carroll at U.S.C. It’s going to take a long time to clean up the budget mess.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:28 pm:
I can’t see Lisa Madigan running for mayor, she’s looking at governor four years from now after Quinn blows this election.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:29 pm:
Let’s be honest, if Obama endorses Rahm, it’s game over. Chicagoans are used to voting for whomever they’re told to by a party boss. Now that Daley is leaving, that role goes to Obama by default (seeing how he is the most powerful man in the world and all). And really, how can Obama NOT endorse someone who held such a high-ranking position in his administration? If he doesn’t, he’d basically be repudiating his first two years in office, and it would be seen as such a slap at Rahm that he probably couldn’t win. That’s why I don’t think Rahm runs unless he’s got Obama’s backing.
- Independent - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:33 pm:
Bill Daley’s next role: Powerbroker or candidate?
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:38 pm:
Congressman Fritchey is running?
I kid. Considering his experience running against Quigley methinks John should focus on the County Board.
Dart, who I can’t stand, would strike me as the frontrunner even if Rahmbo gets in.
This is going to be a hard race to judge because there could easily be 7-10 serious candidates along with a list of unknowns.
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:42 pm:
Mayor Barack H. Obama
President Joe Biden
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:45 pm:
And Vice President Hillary Clinton who runs for President as incumbent in 2012
- Ivory-billed Woodpecker - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:48 pm:
What one thing will Daley be remembered most? Hard to choose. Millennium Park is a triumph that will always be in plain view. Soldier Field is something less. What will always be remembered as the Daley parking meter deal is going to be a boil on the body politic for decades – so much that I would expect candidates’ schemes for somehow extricating the City from the arrangement to become a perennial campaign subject.
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 5:59 pm:
Capitol Fax Commenter Bill For Mayor
Daley remembered for? being the son of his father and Meigs Field. Digging a deep hole for his successor(s) to climb out of…
- Chicagoan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:07 pm:
Agreed that Rahm wouldn’t walk away with this race - but only a fool would doubt his ability to lead the pack. The ideal candidate for this race is like Daley - but not part of the recent Chicago political lexicon which will suffer along with other incumbents this cycle - and unlike Daley in that he can reach beyond da Mayor’s defined identity. Chicago voters are tired enough that they want enough to want “change” - but not too much change, the economy, jobs and politics are too goofy right now to embrace real “Change”. I’d put my money on Rahm.
- Gregor - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:13 pm:
I’ll always be mad at him for his thuggish and illegal destruction of Meigs Field and his bald-faced lying about his motivations. His attempt to re-make himself as the “green” mayor was transparent PR posing and I never for a minute thought he gave a fig for bee hives on the city hall roof or any of that stuff. It was just something to take the attention off the corruption stories.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:33 pm:
well the tea leaves foretold. Kruesi gone. Mary Ann Smith and
Ginger Rugai gone. the pipeline of Mayor money dries up without the mayor you want.
I’ll remember the Mayor for some nice things, but there are
a bunch of people who surround him who are not good and
that is more memorable.
here’s some fun, make a long list of the toadies who are now
out of jobs, even if a Dart gets in. Let’s start with Rosie
Andolino and the airport mess, the crew of the Mayor’s valets
on the 4th floor, and the line of government do nothings
who worked for Victor Reyes and HDO.
next move to those contracts that go to the connected. and
maybe the bicycle lanes will finally be checked for how many
people use them to balance off how they mess up car traffic,
an important flow of commerce.
and, there’s no telling whether the balance of “these are the
people on my slate” will affect the current Treasurer and
Clerk. interesting times.
- Bubs - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:45 pm:
I’m hearing DC talk of Tom Daschle as White House COS when Rahm takes off.
- L.S. - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:46 pm:
Let’s see: Madigan, Rahm, Jarrett, Davis…Fritchey? How does a state rep get on the same list as these multi-million dollar powerhouses?
Also, how long before Blago makes a media stunt out of wanting to run?
- Sueann - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:50 pm:
Chicago is broke like the rest of the state. Daley should be forced to stay on as a Captain is supposed to go down with the ship
- William Maggos - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:50 pm:
Daley may have made downtown and the north sides of the city appealing, but the south and west sides of this city have been completely forgotten. I am waiting for a candidate committed to changing this, and the first sign will be public comments addressing an end of the drug war.
- Bubs - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:55 pm:
Isn’t the non-partisan Mayor’s Race a runoff? That could likely generate a February ballot more crowded than the Kennedy at rush hour, and politicking like “Survivor” on steroids.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:57 pm:
William Maggos
You have it all wrong. Look at the West Side where the CHA has revamped Henry Horner homes. Have you even driven along the Dan Ryan in the past 10 years? The transformation of the Robert Taylor home, Stateway Gardens, Bronzeville, South Loop have forever improved the blight that made up these areas.
The drug wars will continue as long as there are white men and women driving into the city to get their fix.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 6:59 pm:
Coupla a tings: No mention of Desiree Rogers in the mix. How about Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun?
I say this because if the field is stacked with pink dudes, a black woman could catch lightning in a bottle.
- Jeb - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 7:06 pm:
How about the former Governor. I am sure the people of Illinois would vote for him in a flash. After all he gave them free health care, free child care and other free things. Everyone in Illinois knows everything is free when the Government provides it
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 7:14 pm:
When you say “former Governor” Jeb, I assume you mean Thompson or Edgar as Blago is barred from holding state of municipal office forever, in Illinois.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 7:21 pm:
I wouldn’t put my money on rahm, he is simply not likeable. And you can be sure that post daley, and in many ways because of daley, the next mayor will need to be likeable.
if obama backs rahm doing so would only hurt Obama’s re-election prospects. such a backing would make obama look like the world’s biggest hypocrite after running on a platform of hope and change.
i fail to see what is so impressive rahm. what he has led? i appreciate that he fancies himself a political powerhouses/power brokers ala Daley (sr & jr) or Mike Madigan, but he doesn’t have anywhere near the power or influence that they have.
he can use expletives like nobody’s business and try to imtimidate all he wants, but that’s all a part of why he wouldn’t garner mass appeal in a race of many. he wouldn’t be able to run on anything of substance and the chicago electorate is not going to overlook that. rahm’s all wrong for chicago, and I think most chicagoans know this and would agree.
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 7:50 pm:
Skeeter, you forgot #3 parking meters.
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 7:57 pm:
At 5 p.m. today I called 311 to report a traffic light out on the north side. I usually have no problem getting through. This time, there was a more than 20 minute wait. Was everyone calling 311 to find out who was going to be the next mayor? That’s 411, people!
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 8:03 pm:
With all this talk about Rahm, is he even eligible? The requirements state: *To run for mayor, a person must be at least 18, a registered voter and Chicago resident for at least one year before the election. Candidates also must not have any debt, unpaid tax, lien or other obligation to the city. And they must not have any felony convictions or convictions for any “infamous crime, bribery or perjury.”
Rahm hasn’t been a resident for the last year, right?
- downstater - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 8:33 pm:
Tom Dart is a major vote-getter with a solid record of reform and achievement in Cook County. Should he run, he’s positioned to be the front runner. Rahm Emanuel is the king kong of money. Don’t count out Brendan Reilly, the new, young aldmerman. He’s got an energetic following and campaign savvy.
- Park - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 8:35 pm:
I love people like this Adam Greene guy. Does he really think more than 1% of the population shares his views? Probably did his dissertation on the bolshevik/menshevic dynamic in the Russian Social Democratic party. Good luck in politics buddy.
When I think of Daley, I think of all the people I know who have moved to a cool condo downtown after their kids moved out. I mean move from a really nice neigborhood in the suburbs (west for me). During his tenure, the City has become really really world class. Yes he blew way too much money doing it, and yes, he’s lucky not to be spending nights in the Metropolitan Correctional Center. But you have to give it to him.
- DuPage Dan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 9:11 pm:
Will County Woman is right about one thing - Rahm Emmanuel does not have the charisma that is required to secure the mayors’ office. He got away with it in his district and is the right type for a CoS but not as mayor. If Chicago votes for him they will get precisely what they deserve. I can see him trying to browbeat a multi-national company into staying in Chicago or relocating. Will. Not. Go. Well.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 9:46 pm:
downstater, reilly’s following is largely white, right? That just won’t do in a majority-minority city like Chicago.
I’m not sure how people at-large will feel about reilly when they hear that he is a madigan protogee of sorts. his young age suggests that if elected he may be around for a long time. hmmm… a madigan protogee with a lot of time on his hands to hone his madigan-like skills and stay on as an entrenched power. no thanks.
- Scott Fawell's Cellmate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 9:51 pm:
The only field clearing candidate I can think of is Valerie Jarrett.
As an African-American woman, she pushes out all black and all female aldermen and state reps, and probably Jesse Jr. and most of the Illinois congressional delegation, as well as Lisa Madigan.
Plus, as a former CEO of the Habitat Company and board member of other Chicago corps, the business community knows and likes Jarrett.
Finally, she’s headed a bunch of city departments and agencies and is more than qualified.
- Quinn T. Sential - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 9:53 pm:
I have still have my red Haider for Mayor windreaker.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 9:54 pm:
Fritchey is to De Leo/Banks as Lisa Madigan is to MadDaddy.
they seem nice and progressive, but they are just the corporate
face of the combine.
things in Chicago need to get pulled apart. and no, william
maggos, things are not let go on the south and west sides.
all that federal money was spent in those areas cause the
southwest and northwest sides are not eligible. meanwhile,
TIFs sucked the life out of everywhere and it was spent downtown.
want to really see some happy campers? I’m hearing from
friends and family in the city corners who feel abandoned,
no police cause they are all in the neighborhoods where
there is too high a tolerance for shooting.
- Crazy Ivan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 10:09 pm:
Emil Jones will pretend he’s the new Harold Washington.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 10:11 pm:
This election will be fascinating. A wide-open race for mayor after a sitting incumbent voluntarily stepped down. It’s hard to imagine such a thing (as rare as a Cubs championship season) in Chicago.
We’ll see how the ballot shakes out, but my first thought is I could imagine how a successful Tom Dart candidacy would play off the reformer image he’s projected as sheriff, especially in regard to stopping evictions in foreclosed apartment buildings. This would be an effective time for such a campaign, especially as Chicago voters will have just gone through an unenthusiastic governor’s race and would welcome a demonstrably competent reformer. Is he a Sox fan?
Beyond the actual election, what happens once Daley’s out of office? How will the next mayor work with Toni Preckwinkle? A City Hall where most of the aldermen were appointed by Daley (even after the turnover this year)? Springfield? The White House? In the wake of some ugly, tough decisions, this next election and administration will be a fascinating period for Chicago.
- Patrick McDonough - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 10:41 pm:
I am very happy with the news. Sooo very happy! David Hoffman?
- cousin ralph - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 10:44 pm:
I think Daley will be remembered for the fiscal crisis that befalls the city as he exits. So many of his decisions will look terrible in light of the coming financial meltdown. I think all these pundits who think the voters are going to be looking for a traditional DEM insider are wrong. I also think that the voters are not going to embrace an Obama acolyte. Start thinking outside of the box people. Your next mayor may emerge from the Tea Party movement.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 10:51 pm:
it’s Mayor Daley’s last season in the office. It’s Steve Carrell’s last season on the office. aha, we’ve found the replacement
on the tv show!
- Honest Abe - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 11:34 pm:
How does Emanuel address the unanswered questions about the number of City Water Department employees who went to Club Fed for campaigning for Rahm on the city’s dime? What will he do if he has to testify at Blagojevich’s next trial? It ain’t going to work in this election cycle.
- ZC - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 11:52 pm:
I think Reilly’s a solid guy and would make a fine mayor. I also think cousin ralph 10:44 p.m. is projecting a bit. Sorry ralph, but this is _Chicago_. How many state IL Dems who represent Chicago are even slightly endangered by tea party candidates in this “republican wave” election? Can we name a single one? And Honest Abe, you have a point but remember Rahm’s testimony on the stand may amount to how he gave Blago -nothing-. Not sure how that rules him out.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Sep 8, 10 @ 12:59 am:
Lisa Madigan sets the field. If she’s in, a lot of people walk away.
Rahm is kidding himself. He scares no one. What’s the base? Rickey Hendon would give him a run for his INCREDIBLE amount of money.
Lisa Madigan, on the other hand, has great support in all quarters. Other than Jesse White (possibility?), she’s the only candidate who is welcome in all parts of the city.
She’s young, smart, a woman, a mother, Irish, and considered a kick-ass friend of all consumer and working classes.
Who beats her?
What a dreary life she must lead. Governor, Senator, Attorney General, Supreme Court, what do I want to be?
But the train’s leaving. She passed on Senator and Governor. Could she pass again?
- Aldyth - Wednesday, Sep 8, 10 @ 9:57 am:
We are truly seeing an enormous change on the horizon. Daley is probably the last of the big city Bosses in America. Even Bloomburg can’t claim that status.
Daley saved a good portion of Chicago from urban blight and developed one of the most beautiful large cities to be found anywhere. But, to be a Boss, he had to ignore corruption.
Whoever follows is going to have a huge job and difficult choices. Will that person deal with the corruption and by doing so, give up on the concept of being The Boss.