February 25, 2004
P-WORDS, D-WORDS FLY IN COURT CLERK RACE
P-words are flying fast and furious in the Democratic primary for Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court. Black incumbent Dorothy Brown is proclaiming that she has "professionalized" the 2,300-job office, which manages court records. White foe Jerry Orbach, a former judge, has proclaimed that Brown has "politicized" the office, and is "squeezing" employees for campaign cash. The Daley Administration, which fears that Brown may run for Cook County Board president in 2006, or mayor in 2007, is banking on the D-word -- namely: that Orbach's campaign, while likely unsuccessful, will nevertheless discredit Brown and diminish her future viability. Brown will win, but not by a big margin. In the MWRD race, expect an upset. Full Article...
February 18, 2004
GEOGRAPHIC RIVALRIES SPUR 16TH DSITRICT HOUSE BATTLE
Two political dinosaurs -- 50th Ward Alderman Berny Stone, and Niles Township Democratic Committeeman Cal Sutker -- are battling for political supremacy in the north suburban 16th House District. Sutker is backing incumbent Lou Lang in the Democratic primary, and Stone is backing challenger Mike Moses. The "Democratic wing of the Democratic party" -- meaning the liberals and Bush-haters -- is in disarray in this Skokie-Lincolnwood-West Rogers Park district, with strange alliances being made. Lang has plenty of money, and should win. Full Article...
February 11, 2004
HULL, OBAMA SURGE IN DEMOCRATS' SENATE RACE
Every senatorial candidate is anxiously awaiting a political Viagra Moment -- when the electorate becomes aroused, excited and engaged. It's not happening, but big-spending Democrat Blair Hull has become a pervasive media presence in the race, even if his insipid message is not very persuasive. Hull will spend over $20 million in the primary, and rates as a slight favorite over Barack Obama, who is counting on a huge black vote. Hull is spending heavily Downstate, which will sink Dan Hynes' chances. Among Republicans, with 8 candidates to choose from, there is no clear "establishment" versus "insurgent" choice, and all are conservatives. Jack Ryan is a slight favorite over Andy McKenna and Steve Rauschenberger. Full Article...
February 4, 2004
"WALKING MACHINE" MCAULIFFE RATES EDGE OVER DUDYCZ
State Representative Mike McAuliffe (R-20) is renowned in Springfield as the "Lean, Mean Walking Machine." In 2002, Republican McAuliffe knocked on roughly 25,000 doors in route to a 2,583-vote win over fellow incumbent Bob Bugielski. Now he's at it again, this time facing another incumbent, Democrat Ralph Capparelli (D-15), who has a campaign warchest of nearly $1 million. Democrats deride McAuliffe as the Stairmaster Candidate. But Capparelli, like Bugielski, will be the Couch Potato Candidate. McAuliffe is out walking again, and will defeat Walter Dudycz for Republican committeeman. In November, give the Walking Machine (McAuliffe) an edge over the Money Machine (Capparelli). Full Article...
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