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* Ben Joravsky has a profile of Speaker Madigan’s alderman and trusted lieutenant Marty Quinn…
When I reached him, he was modest, and said I was “overstating” his role in Madigan’s political operation. “I don’t view myself as a political strategist,” he said. “I view myself as a public servant.”
Then he gave me a brief biography: He grew up in the 13th Ward. His father, Bob Quinn, was 15th Ward superintendent—the powerful city worker in charge of garbage collection.
“My father was a very talented precinct worker, and he taught me you have to put in the time going door to door,” said Quinn. “I still spend a lot of time going door to door. Last year, I met 1,611 people.”
You counted?
“Yes.”
That, my friends, is the Madigan way.
* Ben’s profile reminded me of a Marty Quinn campaign story that got buried in the crush. To set it up, here’s an election day e-mail from a subscriber…
Dunkin paid people up front to work for him today.
So the Stratton people went around offering them a nice bonus to wear the yellow “Vote Against Sellout Ken Dunkin” t-shirts
A bunch switched (at least 16) and the Dunkin people gave up their orange Ken Dunkin hats.
Heh.
* Ald. Quinn was apparently collecting those Dunkin hats throughout the campaign, “like scalps,” I was told. He made quite a game out of it and stockpiled a ton of them. “I told him to save me a dozen so I can make a quilt,” one Chicago politico quipped.
One of the alderman’s prized possessions…
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:13 am
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Looks like they could be a nice fund-raiser for somebody’s favorite charity.
Comment by Dave Dahl Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:16 am
That story is so awesome in so many ways. Another lesson for sure in how money doesn’t always win elections. It might give you an ‘edge’ but as demonstrated it doesn’t buy you loyalty.
Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:20 am
“Here endeth the lesson… ”
You can’t beat Madigan without knowing or understanding how the Crew works.
It’s not a head scratcher, and if you are light on understanding modesty, tenacity, and loyalty, that’s on you, not on them.
That hat is pretty sweet… Kinda jealous, no snark.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:28 am
I wonder if there’s a village in Africa where dozens of kids are wearing these hats along with their “Carolina Panthers Super Bowl Champs!” t-shirts.
Comment by Hi Maze Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:31 am
Marty: Huh?
1611 individual meetings at front doors? Your brother told me my minimum goal was 3000.
Comment by walker Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:42 am
The General!
Comment by Tom Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:54 am
I am a deer hunter and those are classic.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:55 am
How Ironic - Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 11:20 am:
That story is so awesome in so many ways. Another lesson for sure in how money doesn’t always win elections. It might give you an ‘edge’ but as demonstrated it doesn’t buy you loyalty.”
I think the story shows just how incompetent Dunkin was at campaign strategy.
Comment by TominChicago Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 12:09 pm
Great story and what a political collectible the caps will become.
Hi Maze’s post reminds me of when CMS created the State Employees’ Wellness Program back in the day and bought a ton of t-shirts. Participation was well, underwhelming, which led to all sorts of interesting characters wearing white “STEPWELL” t-shirts after the extras were given away.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 12:17 pm
I learned from the Madigan playbook. Knock on doors, service the voters and ask for support, not just at election time but throughout the year. I have added my own touch through the years and I have been pretty successful.
Comment by Union Leader Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 12:29 pm
Walker, a Representative district has a larger population than a ward. And turnout is much higher in a November general election than a February consolidated primary. Looks like you ran for the wrong office, but that’s the rub. /s
Comment by Juice Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 12:33 pm
“To the victor belong the spoils” says it all in my book. Those hats would make swell fundraiser prizes. Heck, I’d spring for a chance or two myself.
Madigan has been at the old school way of winning elections for decades and has become the master of his domain. Rainer is the new age of winning elections. Obnoxious sums of money and vicious media saturation. That didn’t work too well in the Dunkin race and nationally it’s not working too well against Trump either. Money has it’s limits..
Comment by Mouthy Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 1:39 pm
scalps, love it. Man would I ever pay a pretty penny for one of them scalps to put up in the Local 1805 CIC. Nice trophy.
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 2:59 pm
+1 Marty. The benefits of hard work.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Apr 5, 16 @ 4:06 pm