Russ Stewart
Attorney at Law & Political Analyst

February 2013 Articles  
     

February 27, 2013 "GOODY-GOODY" BENIGNO FAILS NORRIDGE'S "BRILLO TEST" It's called the "Brillo Test." Outsiders only beat insiders when they promise to fix something, cleanse something, or scrub out somebody. You don't win elections by being "goody-goody" -- which means dreamily expecting voters to find one's sincerity, lovability and compassion irresistible. In suburban Norridge, Illinois' deputy Secretary of State Tom Benigno, with the aid of Mike Madigan and Jim DeLeo, is attempting a hostile takeover. He faces treasurer James Chmura. Benigno has manpower, but no coherent and convincing rationale. There's nothing and nobody to cleanse and scrub. Benigno is failing the "Brillo Test," and will lose. full article...

February 20, 2013 MACHINES CRUMBLING IN 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CICERO, MORTON GROVE There's a loud crumbling sound emanating from the 2nd Congressional District and Cicero, which have important primaries on February 26. The 3-G's - guns, gender, and geography - will dictate Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s replacement. If beleaguered Chicago Democratic committeemen deliver, Ald. Anthony Beale wins; the suburban powers are behind Robin Kelly; white ex-Representative Debbie Halvorson has been buried by Mayor Bloomberg's PAC. Beale favored. In Cicero, Larry Dominick's machine is hanging by a thread. If turnout exceeds 12,000, Juan Ochoa wins. full article...

February 13, 2013 PARK RIDGE "MAYOR NO" FACES DICEY RE-ELECTION In Park Ridge, "Mayor No" is under siege. Republican Mayor Dave Schmidt has vetoed 51 city council spending measures, and had an astronomical 47 overridden. "He is despised and detested." said opponent Larry Ryles, who wants "civility and morality" restored. "Lies," retorts Schmidt, who boasts that he has run a budget surplus every year, cut "non-essential" spending, and, with an annual $60 million budget, opposes a $16 million new police station. How much "no" is too much "no"? Park Ridge is a microcosm as to whether cutting spending is akin to cutting one's political throat. full article...

February 6, 2013 "GOVERNOR PANDERER" CRAFTS LIBERAL BASE FOR 2014 DALEY-MADIGAN PRIMARY There is no Daley-Madigan brawl for governor in 2014. Instead, it's Daley-Madigan-Quinn. Illinois' "Gov. Panderer" -- Pat Quinn -- should not be underestimated. He's marginally unpopular with voters in general, but he has been scoring oodles of points with the liberal Democratic base. He's for gay marriage, driver's licenses for illegals, raising the minimum wage, stricter gun control, no social service cuts, borrowing to pay $5 billion to vendors, and more taxes on businesses. That, alone, gives him 30-35% support in the 2014 primary. Quinn's no quitter. full article...