The big story of Mayor Daley’s announcement yesterday wasn’t what he said, but what he filed. I’m not sure if this means his organization is a hollow shell or he wants it to look that way, but, anyway, here’s the story.

Although Daley’s announcement was a scripted show of force, his nominating petitions showed a potential sign of weakness. The mayor filed only 24,160 signatures — fewer than twice the legal requirement and at least 14,000 fewer than mayoral challenger Bill “Dock” Walls. It was the first time in six mayoral elections that a challenger filed more signatures than Daley did.

Four years ago, the mayor filed a wheelbarrow filled with 140,000 signatures. But that was before the city hiring scandal — and before Daley demanded that Democratic precinct workers who circulated petitions swear they were promised no jobs, promotions or benefits.

“People are no longer willing to work for Daley if they can’t be assured a job, a promotion or a contract,” Walls said.

Even bigger news was the interest in aldermanic races.

“We think we’re going to probably if not beat, possibly meet where we were in 1991,” said Langdon Neal, chairman of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. “We hear that there’s going to be a lot of candidates per ward.”

By day’s end, 37 of the 47 sitting alderman were facing challengers, and 12 hopefuls had filed for the open seats in the 7th, 8th and 18th wards, where the incumbents have moved on to other elected offices.

“It’s indicative of the interest the people have in local government,” said Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th), dean of the City Council. “Municipal government is really where the rubber meets the road.”

And Natarus tries to put the best spin on a dire situation.

Ald. Burton Natarus (42nd), who has been on the council since 1971, filed for re-election just moments after Brendan Reilly joined the race. Reilly is a former aide to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

“I think I’ll be OK,” Natarus told reporters as Reilly stood a few feet away.

Natarus is in the fight of his life, but I’m not sure he realizes it yet.

I have some YouTube videos about filing day, but the site appears to be bloggered for now (thanks, Google) so check back here a little later.

*** UPDATE *** YouTube is back online, and here are the promised videos, which were posted by 50th Ward candidate Naisy Dolar. That fight in 50 is gonna be interesting. The best news for the broken down warhorse incumbent Bernie Stone is that he faces two strong opponents, who could cancel each other out. Otherwise, this would be one of the hottest races in the city. Dolar, by the way, seems to handle herself well in front of the cameras.

ABC7…

NBC5…

WTTW…

*** UPDATE 2 *** In case you were wondering after seeing the NBC5 report, Joe Moore’s opponent Jim Ginderske has not yet filed any campaign finance reports beyond the usual creating the committee stuff.