A public official has to know when it’s time to move on, Daley said during a press conference. “For me that time is now.”
Daley said he’s thought about the decision for weeks.
“I’ve done my all,” Daley said. “I’ve done my best. Now, I’m ready with my family to begin the new phase of our lives.”
“In the end, this was a personal decision, no more, no less,” Daley said, declining to answer questions. “I’ve been thinking about this for the last several months . . . . It just feels right.”
Katy bar the door.
* My first thought is I never figured he’d go out while he’s held in such low regard. His lousy poll numbers, the failed Olympics bid, the parking meter fiasco, etc., etc., etc. may have individually felled a mere political mortal, but I figured he wanted to restore his reputation before departing. Maybe he figured he couldn’t. More likely it’s a cumulative thing. He broke his father’s record. His wife is ill. It’s time to give somebody else a chance.
* My second thought is just a quick wonder whom the Daley/Bridgeport remnants will back now. They’ve had a horse in every race going back a century or so.
* 2:16 pm - State Sen. James Meeks has been mentioned for weeks as a possible Daley challenger. I just talked to him and here’s his on the record statement…
“The mayor has served the city for 20-plus years, and now it’s time for him to enjoy the rest of his life. The new mayor who will take over has nowhere to go but up. Public schools are in need of overhaul. City colleges are in need of overhaul. The city’s finances are in need of overhaul. The city’s rapport with police officers is at an all-time low. For the new mayor, the sky’s the limit.”
* I’m hearing two reactions so far. One is serious worry about the city’s future, the other is relief that this long, never-ending rule is finally over.
“He’s a great guy and a great mayor,” Quinn said, adding praise for Maggie Daley’s involvement in After School Matters. “Rich Daley and Maggie Daley are the heart of Chicago and they’re special people. I think like everybody else I’m shocked to hear this but I wish both Mayor Daley and Maggie Daley nothing but the best. They love Chicago.”
“They are two special people, they care about other people. They’ve got servants’ hearts, each of them have served us over and over again in many different ways. So we have a permanent debt of gratitude to Mayor Richard M. Daley and his dad, Richard J. Daley, we have a permanent debt of gratitude to Maggie Daley and the whole Daley family. They understand that being on Earth is not here to just serve yourself but to really serve others, and they have done that over and over again.”
“Mayor is an office he’s always been interested in,” said Steve Patterson, Dart’s spokesman. “He’s been upfront about that. He does have a re-election campaign for sheriff I November that he’s focused on. . . . He always said he would make a move only if he could have a greater impact than sheriff, and mayor certainly fits that.”
* 2:38 pm - Forrest Claypool is staying mum. I asked his campaign for a react and here’s what I got…
Bill Daley said the decision, finalized over the Labor Day weekend, stemmed from a variety of factors: economic woes besetting the city, his wife Maggie Daley’s long battle with cancer, the looming — and growing — chorus of political critics.
“It would have been more difficult than past races,” Bill Daley said, referring not only to the local situation but a national climate that has endangered incumbent officials from around America. “But he would have won.”
* Emanuel is probably the only person who could really limit the field - white and black. The Obama White House owns enough problems without owning Chicago politics as well, however. It’ll be a trickier move in DC than it will in the city, but that would still be fraught with danger. What if he loses?
* As far as I can tell, Rahm Emanuel’s next publicly scheduled event in Chicago is this Sunday at a fundraiser for Congresscritter Debbie Halvorson. Click here for details. That place is gonna be mobbed.
* 3:07 pm - Speaker Madigan’s react…
“I commend the Mayor on his long service and respect this very personal decision. His record is one of remarkable accomplishments. One only has to look around the city center to know he was a major force in keeping this city and the region vibrant, alive and on the national stage.
“I am sure he will continue to work with all of us to make Chicago the best place to live work and raise families.”
* The last day to file nominating petitions for mayor is Monday, November 22nd. Petitions can be circulated immediately.
* Congressman Mark Kirk react…
“For 10 years, I worked with Mayor Daley to expand O’Hare, defend Lake Michigan and improve the quality of life for Chicago-area families. My thoughts are with him and Maggie in what must have been a deeply personal decision.”
* Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr…
“Mayor Daley loves Chicago and clearly loved being mayor. He built or rebuilt many iconic structures and turned Chicago into an international center for business and tourism. But he also leaves the city in extremely poor fiscal shape. And, after 21 years, we still need a third airport; we need to redevelop the old USX site; and we must guarantee that all Chicagoans have access to high-quality jobs, health care, transportation and education. I was never close to the mayor, but he certainly left a major imprint on America’s greatest city.
“Regarding potential successors, I expect there will be numerous candidates, but only a few can mount a serious bid for mayor.”
Rahm is probably the only one I’d trust with the job. Oddly enough, his ego will probably be a strength in the position, and he’s the only potential candidate with both the intellectual heft and the political savvy to clean-up after Daley’s mess.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:59 pm:
Thank you Mister Mayor, you made the best decision for yourself and all of Chicago.
Chicago is facing difficult times and a fresh, new approach is needed.
It’s good that Mayor Daley is man enough and wise enough to understand that his best years are behind and for the good of everything, he should just move on.
National League: I think you are right — Manny Flores is at least going to start the process — if Quinn loses in November he will run for sure (uncless someone cuts a deal with him) — if Quinn wins then Flores’ position is safe and he can consider his options.
Will the election still be “non-partisan” (no republican challenger)? Yes.
Will there still be a “machine”? Sure.
Will Chicago stay feudal? Long Live the King.
Break it down into factions to keep a clear idea on how this will break. For example, who will the old guard/machine wards support? Who will the Hispanics rally behind? What about the African Americans? Newcomers, wannabees? It’s all in play. Christmas came early in the Sane household!
Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the White House wall? Chief-of-staff is not a job one leaves after 20 months. Rahm was going to get thru the 2012 election and then come back to Chicago.
But if he doesn’t come home now, he will haunt the next mayor.
No one has mentioned David Hoffman yet? He has said he is interested in the job and he performed better than expected in the Senate primary. If anyone can clean up Chicago politics, it’s Hoffman.
Political commentators and academics in Chicago are absolutely drooling at the mouth right now, and for for good reason. It’ll be interesting to see who the early candidates are.
Names that immediately come to my mind are dart, houlihan, and madigan.
Knome Sane is correct, the white house cos is a really tough job, probably tougher when you’re family is 1200 miles away (not that you’d see them anyway)…
I agree I too would enjoy seeing Hoffman throw his name in the mix. IMO, He ran a very effective campaign last winter despite starting late and gained positive exposure in the media, but he came up short because he didn’t have the base Giounnolias has.
Hoffman absolutely destroyed Alexi during head to head to head debates on shows like Chicago Tonight.
Looks like Claypool made another oopsie with his run for assessor.
Seems to me, some enterprising reporters should ask both him and Preckwinkle A) if they’re willing to make a commitment to fulfilling their terms if elected, and if not, B) are you running for Mayor.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:23 pm:
Agreed that Hoffman would be good too. Especially from a crime fighting and reform standpoint, Chicago definitely needs someone like him.
So, a match-up between Hynes (for budget reasons) vs. Hoffman (for crime fighting and reform reasons). Now that would be the ideal match! Could Hynes duck his machine royalty label to convince voters that he is reform-minded?
Could Hoffman present himself as a public budget expert enough to convince voters that he can lead Chicago fully and fully address its economics?
I think if Meeks goes hard and goes at the fixing schools angle (imagine him with Proft talking ed) and taking a us vs. them approach he could get enough goo-goos and the other votes to make it happen.
That’s where I would put my $10, but I would expect odds.
Why would anyone want the job? The city is in shambles and whoever walks in will be forced to make sweeping changes and try to clean up the place. If the voters don’t see change immediately, that person’s career is probably over.
Please Rahm…run…run…run…I’d love to get you out of the White House so you would stop screwing up the whole country. Let’s see how tough you really are….in Chicago…
I’d guess you can count on about 5-10 serious candidates vying to make the April runoff.
Dart
Houlihan
Fioretti
Even being “damaged” I’m wondering if their egos will compel Guitterez and J J Jackson Jr. to run.
Add in some others too. Maybe Rahm.
I didn’t expect this. I figured he wanted to die in office. Like Rich methinks a variety of things led to this decision particularly his wife’s illness.
This will give Daley critics the chance to use the other side of their brains, the part that solves problems. It has atrophied over the years. It won’t be easy, but it’s long overdue. I wish we had the same opportunity in the governor’s race.
Preckwinkle is NOT running for Mayor. It would be a very foolish, selfish, careless, and politically fatal decision — one that I do not think she would make.
Am I crazy to think that this announcement will serve to further pull back interest/involvement and cut off most additional Dem election fund contributions into the foundering Quinn and Alexi campaigns between now and Nov?
As of this moment, the Illinois gubernatorial election and the race for Barack Obama’s old Senate seat become political afterthoughts! Gov. Quinn, who has alienated much of his progresssive support to try to kiss Daley’s political mistletoe, is totally screwed!
Imagine a true outsider — likeable, but no political experience. In a field of career politicians, that might be a winner. Imagine somebody like Chef Graham Elliot Bowles.
Gidwitz like Giuliani in New York after years of Democrat rule. Business likes him , Labor likes him, the press likes him. all of the new rich who have moved into the city in the last decade would be nervous with a far left liberal Democrat. A GOP Governor and a non partisan (GOP) Mayor. Boy how times have changed in less than 2 years!!!!
Also here is another question. Does this announcement dry up some money for Democratic statewides as folks think their cash might be better used in supporting a candidate running for mayor and/or running for mayor?
at some point a runoff is almost inevitable in a multi candidate race of this importance. Even if Meeks made the runoff his Attilla views would keep him from “taking the cheese”.
You have to be able to get fifty percent of the vote. I don’t think Attila Meeks can do that.
What a great opportunity for Chicago. A new mayor. It is about freaking time. If this is done right we get a new 21st Century city. If it is done wrong we end up with Rahm or another old time dictator. I like Claypool or Gidwitz or Meeks. Meeks would back Gidwitz and it would be so nice to see another political party in charge for a while.
This is important. No more 20th Century Machine Democraps please.
nortsider-
who told you labor likes gidwitz, or likes him enough to back him for mayor, or even to refrain from backing someone else? interested in buying a bridge?
I think it will be Rahm. None of the other people mentioned have clout on a national level, and that’s something sorely needed for a big city mayor. Perfect excuse for Rahm to leave the White House before the next Blago trial.
OneMan’s fundraising question is right on.
Do Chicago Dems write checks to Alexi (who really needs it) or to somebody running for Mayor? How about endangered congressmen? Mayoral Candidate X, or send the money to help out Halvorsen?
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:59 pm:
IP
== You have to be able to get fifty percent of the vote. I don’t think Attila Meeks can do that ==
I think if he talks vouchers it is going to get a lot of the white ethnic vote and more progressives who will hold their noses at his social views in order to get a voucher for Timmy who couldn’t get into a magnet school.
I think Dart would be one of the only white candidates to get significant support from the African Amer. community. He has gained national attention for what he’s done at the Sheriff’s office. He has to be a front runner.
This race will be a bloodbath and not be decided by a single issue like vouchers. This is as close to a beauty contest that we will see in our lifetime. As I said before, it’s been 100 years since this office’s election was “open”.
I think this hurts Quinn and the non-incumbents running statewide. Because if you are union or a large group the mayors race is going to end up being a better investment IMHO.
You have three statewide races that are iffy for the Dems and the state has major money woes. The City has money woes too, but with the TIFF stuff and more assets to sell has some options.
Better investment in the mayors race, not even close.
Am I the only one who thinks Daley has a candidate….think about the timing, he just screwed over how many legitimate candidates running for another office who would now looks (at best) disingenuous.
You may not be the only one, but Daley does not have a candidate he will publicly support. Jeremiah Joyce, Tim Degnan, Terry Newman, and the rest of “Daley’s Brain” will have someone they will rally behind and that means this: follow the dollars…..
Thankfully, no. His impeachment conviction included permanent disqualification from holding any public office in Illinois — that means state or local (municipalities are creations of the state). He could, perhaps, run for a federal office like Congress, or move to another state and run there, but that’s not likely.
It seems to me that Rahm’s viability as a mayoral candidate is very much contingent on how key people view his recent tenure as WH COS. To the extent that influential politicos and business leaders hold him at least partly responsible for the flub-a dubs and miscalculations that have led to both Obama’s and the Dems’ dismal polling, he may not be as attractive as he once might have been.
both the white “ethnic” vote and the black vote in Chicago are rapidly in decline. Just because there is a White Sox fan in the White House doesn’t mean racism is dying or dead.
I know white “ethnic” voters. While a good number would vote for an “exotic” black guy like President Obama, relatively few would vote for a Meeks. If there is going to be a black candidate with a serious shot it would likely be some relative unknown. Someone like a State Legislator with an impeccable academic pedigree and exotic background. Anyone hanging around Hyde Park like that?
Dart would be a breath of fresh air. He has the guts and the experience to straighten up the City’s messes.
Hoffman would be a dud. His credentials are woefully lacking. Plus, how can he expect others to help him when he goes out of his way to avoid helping others. Sour grapes or not, he should have sucked it up after losing in the Senate primary.
I think the Rahm speculation always made the most sense as a “handoff” situation, i.e. the Mayor decides Rahm is the best fit to continue the RMD style. The way this was handled, 56 days out from November, with this coming as a shock to everyone, I don’t see Rahm pulling the trigger.
First thought is that this actually helps Quinn in that City Committeemen will want to drive up turnout in November to gain influence and importance in the Mayoral race.
I would agree with the earliest handicappers who put money on Tom Dart. But, who the heck knows? It depends on what the field looks like, and who the Top Two wind up.
You need both a base, and the ability to attract from other candidates’ base in the run-off. I think Dart would be a formidable final-two. Don’t know about his base in the first round.
Rahm might be running in the wrong year, what with having to testify at the Blago trial in early 2011. But, he’s surprised folks before. He’s a tough, tenacious campaigner who can raise big bucks.
From the rumor mill, I heard over the weekend that Jeremiah Joyce was pulling away from Daley because he was sick of his union busting ways. I wonder if that helped this decision.
The Blago trial will be starting in January - around the time the mayoral race will be heating up. There’s a chance Rahm Emanuel will be called to testify. I doubt he anticipated a second trial starting in the middle of the campaign.
Chicago was just ranked sixth worldwide in global cities using a variety of criteria. The money behind the global businesses, cultural institutions and educational resources that helped get Chicago into that ranking and level of worldwide influence are not going to be having the likes of Emil Jones or Art Turner as mayor of Chicago. This is not a knock on these gentlemen as good Chicagoans or as individuals, but c’mon get real.
- the Other Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:35 pm:
Mayor Rahm? Good for the country, bad for Chicago.
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:36 pm:
Dart, Jesse Jr., Guiteriez, are being talked about. Dick Durbin was on WGN news radio saying how much Rahm is needed in the White House.
The sad thing is, it looks like Mayor Daley’s wife’s health may be the main reason all of this has come about.
=Kelly dropped out and let Kennelly win the 1947 primary=
Touche, Rich. However, the Democratic machine was firing on all cylinders at that time and Kennelly was preferred over the hack Kelly. But this was hardly an “open” primary. Know what I’m Sayin?
=From the rumor mill, I heard over the weekend that Jeremiah Joyce was pulling away from Daley because he was sick of his union busting ways. I wonder if that helped this decision.=
I think Jeremiah is spending a lot more time in Florida these days. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have influence but not like the old days.
The only time Dart went out on his own was when he ran for Treasurer and he got crushed in one of the biggest Democratic years in a generation. He was handed the State Senate Seat, handed the State Rep Seat and handed the Sheriff’s Office. How will he do running for Mayor on his own? Well, if history teaches us anything, not well.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:46 pm:
Lisa Madigan, 2011
- Fan of the Game - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:48 pm:
Katy is gonna need a big bar!
- Just Observing - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:48 pm:
Rahm?
- belmont cragin kid - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:48 pm:
Katey bar the door is right! OMG - really OMG.
- No Dog in this fight - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:48 pm:
Rod
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:49 pm:
Huzzah! The feeding frenzy in the primary (non-partisan, of course) is gonna be epic.
Scott Waugespack represent!
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:50 pm:
This is a milestone. The last time there was an open seat was over 100 years ago.
- John Bambenek - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:50 pm:
Meanwhile, political consultants around the state to rejoice at the campaign cash buffet that will be available…
- South of I-80 - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:51 pm:
And we thought that Harold Washington’s run for the office was entertaining.
Remember the old saying “Lock’N Load & Rock’N Roll”!!
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:51 pm:
Wow…
Oprah for Mayor?
- Who Cares - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:52 pm:
Tom Dart!!!
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:53 pm:
New QOTD: Who’s it gonna be?
1) Dart
2) Houlihan
3) Dan Hynes
4) Brendan Reilly
5) Waugespak
6) Sandy Jackson
7) Rahm
8) Doc Walls
9) Danny Davis
10) Gutierrez
11) Shakpwsky
12) Rich Miller
13) Lisa Madigan
14) Ed Burke
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:53 pm:
OMG…the Rahm thing is gonna happen…
- Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:53 pm:
Doc can run for mayor!
- Cynic Al - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:53 pm:
Rahm is probably the only one I’d trust with the job. Oddly enough, his ego will probably be a strength in the position, and he’s the only potential candidate with both the intellectual heft and the political savvy to clean-up after Daley’s mess.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:55 pm:
Run, Forrest, run!
- National League - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:55 pm:
Will Flores leave the ICC to run?
- truthteller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:56 pm:
How much of Rich’s 1.5 million in campaign cash is grandfathered in so he can take himself after taxes?
- Bubs - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:57 pm:
I can only imagine how hard a decision that was for him. But the time had come, for him and for the City.
I hope that Chicago will now move away from the corrupt Machine politics that his father mastered and he raised to an art form.
But I’m not betting on it - at least not without a huge fight from those who would take his place at the controls of the Machine.
It will be a good fight.
- truthteller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:57 pm:
Preckwinkle? It was always her dream.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:59 pm:
Thank you Mister Mayor, you made the best decision for yourself and all of Chicago.
Chicago is facing difficult times and a fresh, new approach is needed.
It’s good that Mayor Daley is man enough and wise enough to understand that his best years are behind and for the good of everything, he should just move on.
- Northsider - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 1:59 pm:
Wow, if anyone out there has bad news to report, now’s the time. This story IS the local news cycle for the next 12-24 hours.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:00 pm:
Don’t forget Meeks
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:01 pm:
Ron Gidwitz
- Just Observing - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:02 pm:
National League: I think you are right — Manny Flores is at least going to start the process — if Quinn loses in November he will run for sure (uncless someone cuts a deal with him) — if Quinn wins then Flores’ position is safe and he can consider his options.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:02 pm:
Anon, more like “Non Gidwitz”.
- JustaJoe - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:03 pm:
Will the election still be “non-partisan” (no republican challenger)? Yes.
Will there still be a “machine”? Sure.
Will Chicago stay feudal? Long Live the King.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:05 pm:
Break it down into factions to keep a clear idea on how this will break. For example, who will the old guard/machine wards support? Who will the Hispanics rally behind? What about the African Americans? Newcomers, wannabees? It’s all in play. Christmas came early in the Sane household!
- Obama's Puppy - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:06 pm:
I already forgot Meeks. Dart, Madigan, Houlihan, and Rahm all have to be considered the A list.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:06 pm:
Well the open primary can make some interesting things happen, doubt if they will, but they could.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:06 pm:
Pat Quinn might be looking for work next Spring…
- Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:07 pm:
Emil Jones will of course be the next Mayor of chicago
- Redbright - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:07 pm:
Wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the White House wall? Chief-of-staff is not a job one leaves after 20 months. Rahm was going to get thru the 2012 election and then come back to Chicago.
But if he doesn’t come home now, he will haunt the next mayor.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:09 pm:
Redbright, most Presidential Chiefs of Staffs leave in 20-24 month time frame.
- Lakeview Larry - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:10 pm:
No one has mentioned David Hoffman yet? He has said he is interested in the job and he performed better than expected in the Senate primary. If anyone can clean up Chicago politics, it’s Hoffman.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:10 pm:
Rahm, “I picked a bad year to be on tape talking to Rod …”
- ZC - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:10 pm:
Wow. 2015 just got moved up.
- dave - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:15 pm:
Political commentators and academics in Chicago are absolutely drooling at the mouth right now, and for for good reason. It’ll be interesting to see who the early candidates are.
Names that immediately come to my mind are dart, houlihan, and madigan.
- Argonaut - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:15 pm:
Any possibility of Daley being drafted back into the race?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:19 pm:
So the challenge becomes how to get your guy into the second round…
Now do you do that by creating a big field in general or try and keep it small…..
- Northsider - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:20 pm:
My prediction - Tom Dart
- bored now - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:20 pm:
Knome Sane is correct, the white house cos is a really tough job, probably tougher when you’re family is 1200 miles away (not that you’d see them anyway)…
- Bring Back Boone's - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:21 pm:
I think the Mayor backs a Hispanic candidate- maybe Danny Solis?
- dave - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:21 pm:
Lakeview Larry,
I agree I too would enjoy seeing Hoffman throw his name in the mix. IMO, He ran a very effective campaign last winter despite starting late and gained positive exposure in the media, but he came up short because he didn’t have the base Giounnolias has.
Hoffman absolutely destroyed Alexi during head to head to head debates on shows like Chicago Tonight.
- Thoughts... - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:22 pm:
Looks like Claypool made another oopsie with his run for assessor.
Seems to me, some enterprising reporters should ask both him and Preckwinkle A) if they’re willing to make a commitment to fulfilling their terms if elected, and if not, B) are you running for Mayor.
- Will County Woman - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:23 pm:
Agreed that Hoffman would be good too. Especially from a crime fighting and reform standpoint, Chicago definitely needs someone like him.
So, a match-up between Hynes (for budget reasons) vs. Hoffman (for crime fighting and reform reasons). Now that would be the ideal match! Could Hynes duck his machine royalty label to convince voters that he is reform-minded?
Could Hoffman present himself as a public budget expert enough to convince voters that he can lead Chicago fully and fully address its economics?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:24 pm:
I think if Meeks goes hard and goes at the fixing schools angle (imagine him with Proft talking ed) and taking a us vs. them approach he could get enough goo-goos and the other votes to make it happen.
That’s where I would put my $10, but I would expect odds.
- shucks - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:24 pm:
Why would anyone want the job? The city is in shambles and whoever walks in will be forced to make sweeping changes and try to clean up the place. If the voters don’t see change immediately, that person’s career is probably over.
What a thankless, incredibly difficult job.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:25 pm:
No one has yet mentioned City Clerk Miguel Del Valle. He has city-wide recognition & has done a pretty good job in his current position.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:26 pm:
===One is serious worry about the city’s future, the other is relief that this long, never-ending rule is finally over.===
Good points Rich, and exactly what went through my mind when I heard the news. Thank God and God help us.
- Redbright - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:28 pm:
Rahm moved his family to DC - per my friend who lives on his block.
- Jim - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:28 pm:
Preckwinkle is a lightweight who fell into a good spot. I’d think Meeks, Dart, Madigan, Gutierrez, Houlihan is a lightweight.
- Emily - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:28 pm:
Please, Rahm, save our city.
- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:30 pm:
Please Rahm…run…run…run…I’d love to get you out of the White House so you would stop screwing up the whole country. Let’s see how tough you really are….in Chicago…
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:34 pm:
I’d guess you can count on about 5-10 serious candidates vying to make the April runoff.
Dart
Houlihan
Fioretti
Even being “damaged” I’m wondering if their egos will compel Guitterez and J J Jackson Jr. to run.
Add in some others too. Maybe Rahm.
I didn’t expect this. I figured he wanted to die in office. Like Rich methinks a variety of things led to this decision particularly his wife’s illness.
Let the games begin!
Cry Havoc.
- Dan Bureaucrat - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:34 pm:
This will give Daley critics the chance to use the other side of their brains, the part that solves problems. It has atrophied over the years. It won’t be easy, but it’s long overdue. I wish we had the same opportunity in the governor’s race.
- Corey - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:34 pm:
Dennis Gannon, if Lisa doesn’t run.
- Just Observing - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:36 pm:
Preckwinkle is NOT running for Mayor. It would be a very foolish, selfish, careless, and politically fatal decision — one that I do not think she would make.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:36 pm:
If Rahm wants it, it’s his. You know the White House will go out of their way to club potential opponents out of the race.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:37 pm:
Am I crazy to think that this announcement will serve to further pull back interest/involvement and cut off most additional Dem election fund contributions into the foundering Quinn and Alexi campaigns between now and Nov?
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:38 pm:
Reverend Senator Meeks is to the right of Attilla the Hun on some social issues.
That won’t fly citywide.
- fedup dem - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:39 pm:
As of this moment, the Illinois gubernatorial election and the race for Barack Obama’s old Senate seat become political afterthoughts! Gov. Quinn, who has alienated much of his progresssive support to try to kiss Daley’s political mistletoe, is totally screwed!
- Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:39 pm:
I think Sandi Jackson would be a great Mayor, unfortunetly I dont think she has enough influence to pull it off. Smart bright lady.
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:40 pm:
Imagine a true outsider — likeable, but no political experience. In a field of career politicians, that might be a winner. Imagine somebody like Chef Graham Elliot Bowles.
- truthteller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:40 pm:
Pollsters, printers, campaign managers, election attonerys, signature peddlers, billboard owners and media outlets are all rejoicing!
Chicago may come out of the recession earlier than expected.
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:43 pm:
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
The game is finally OVAA!
- nortsider - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:44 pm:
Gidwitz like Giuliani in New York after years of Democrat rule. Business likes him , Labor likes him, the press likes him. all of the new rich who have moved into the city in the last decade would be nervous with a far left liberal Democrat. A GOP Governor and a non partisan (GOP) Mayor. Boy how times have changed in less than 2 years!!!!
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:44 pm:
== Reverend Senator Meeks is to the right of Attilla the Hun on some social issues.
That won’t fly citywide. ==
Don’t need it to fly citywide, also it will play well in a lot of communities.
Also
David Orr?
- belmont cragin kid - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:45 pm:
Bill,the games have just begun
- dave - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:45 pm:
don’t stop now boys….
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:47 pm:
lol
Yeah, you got that right, Belmont! This is gonna be good!
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:47 pm:
Also here is another question. Does this announcement dry up some money for Democratic statewides as folks think their cash might be better used in supporting a candidate running for mayor and/or running for mayor?
- Frank - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:47 pm:
How long will it take to get Mayor Daley’s name off of EVERYTHING it is printed on in the city?
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:48 pm:
OneMan,
at some point a runoff is almost inevitable in a multi candidate race of this importance. Even if Meeks made the runoff his Attilla views would keep him from “taking the cheese”.
You have to be able to get fifty percent of the vote. I don’t think Attila Meeks can do that.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:49 pm:
What a great opportunity for Chicago. A new mayor. It is about freaking time. If this is done right we get a new 21st Century city. If it is done wrong we end up with Rahm or another old time dictator. I like Claypool or Gidwitz or Meeks. Meeks would back Gidwitz and it would be so nice to see another political party in charge for a while.
This is important. No more 20th Century Machine Democraps please.
- Bill - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:51 pm:
==I like Claypool or Gidwitz or Meeks.==
Figures. Fortunately Patch residents can’t vote in this one.
- chicago - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:51 pm:
nortsider-
who told you labor likes gidwitz, or likes him enough to back him for mayor, or even to refrain from backing someone else? interested in buying a bridge?
- KeepSmiling - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:52 pm:
I think it will be Rahm. None of the other people mentioned have clout on a national level, and that’s something sorely needed for a big city mayor. Perfect excuse for Rahm to leave the White House before the next Blago trial.
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:53 pm:
OneMan’s fundraising question is right on.
Do Chicago Dems write checks to Alexi (who really needs it) or to somebody running for Mayor? How about endangered congressmen? Mayoral Candidate X, or send the money to help out Halvorsen?
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 2:59 pm:
Any comment from MJM?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:01 pm:
Coincidentally, I just asked, WWDH.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:02 pm:
Skeeter, those are little checks. The bigger question is how it impact’s Quinn’s and other statewide fundraising, plus MJM and Cullerton.
- D.P. Gumby - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:04 pm:
Is Blago eligible?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:05 pm:
IP
== You have to be able to get fifty percent of the vote. I don’t think Attila Meeks can do that ==
I think if he talks vouchers it is going to get a lot of the white ethnic vote and more progressives who will hold their noses at his social views in order to get a voucher for Timmy who couldn’t get into a magnet school.
- Who cares - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:05 pm:
I think Dart would be one of the only white candidates to get significant support from the African Amer. community. He has gained national attention for what he’s done at the Sheriff’s office. He has to be a front runner.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:06 pm:
Rich,
I think Mike Madigan and few committeemen who can deliver votes, just became the most popular guys in town.
- Skeeter - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:06 pm:
Good point, but I was more focused on Dems who had a chance to win.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:08 pm:
OneMan,
This race will be a bloodbath and not be decided by a single issue like vouchers. This is as close to a beauty contest that we will see in our lifetime. As I said before, it’s been 100 years since this office’s election was “open”.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:08 pm:
I think this hurts Quinn and the non-incumbents running statewide. Because if you are union or a large group the mayors race is going to end up being a better investment IMHO.
You have three statewide races that are iffy for the Dems and the state has major money woes. The City has money woes too, but with the TIFF stuff and more assets to sell has some options.
Better investment in the mayors race, not even close.
- JCIII - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:09 pm:
Am I the only one who thinks Daley has a candidate….think about the timing, he just screwed over how many legitimate candidates running for another office who would now looks (at best) disingenuous.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:11 pm:
JCIII,
You may not be the only one, but Daley does not have a candidate he will publicly support. Jeremiah Joyce, Tim Degnan, Terry Newman, and the rest of “Daley’s Brain” will have someone they will rally behind and that means this: follow the dollars…..
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:12 pm:
“Is Blago eligible?”
Thankfully, no. His impeachment conviction included permanent disqualification from holding any public office in Illinois — that means state or local (municipalities are creations of the state). He could, perhaps, run for a federal office like Congress, or move to another state and run there, but that’s not likely.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:12 pm:
It seems to me that Rahm’s viability as a mayoral candidate is very much contingent on how key people view his recent tenure as WH COS. To the extent that influential politicos and business leaders hold him at least partly responsible for the flub-a dubs and miscalculations that have led to both Obama’s and the Dems’ dismal polling, he may not be as attractive as he once might have been.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:13 pm:
One Man,
both the white “ethnic” vote and the black vote in Chicago are rapidly in decline. Just because there is a White Sox fan in the White House doesn’t mean racism is dying or dead.
I know white “ethnic” voters. While a good number would vote for an “exotic” black guy like President Obama, relatively few would vote for a Meeks. If there is going to be a black candidate with a serious shot it would likely be some relative unknown. Someone like a State Legislator with an impeccable academic pedigree and exotic background. Anyone hanging around Hyde Park like that?
- bmcchgo - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:13 pm:
Bernie Epton! No? Too soon?
Forrest Claypool is the obvious choice and I already bad-mouthed Rahm Emmauel on Zorn’s blog.
Of couse, there’s Patrick Fitzgerald!
Poll Question: How many days until an ‘Oprah For Mayor’ website goes up?
- Bardo2 - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:16 pm:
My favorite: TOM DART
Least fav: DAVID HOFFMAN
Dart would be a breath of fresh air. He has the guts and the experience to straighten up the City’s messes.
Hoffman would be a dud. His credentials are woefully lacking. Plus, how can he expect others to help him when he goes out of his way to avoid helping others. Sour grapes or not, he should have sucked it up after losing in the Senate primary.
- Mark Buerhle - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:20 pm:
I think the Rahm speculation always made the most sense as a “handoff” situation, i.e. the Mayor decides Rahm is the best fit to continue the RMD style. The way this was handled, 56 days out from November, with this coming as a shock to everyone, I don’t see Rahm pulling the trigger.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:20 pm:
Tom Dart? Can’t get elected mayor by going after Craigslist, would get hit hard on the armed crime issue.
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:21 pm:
Rich,
Do you think this will help Quinn… Just like 1982?
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:21 pm:
Thanks to Mayor Daley for waiting until after Rich’s vacation for the announcement.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:23 pm:
art turner in a crowded field could win so could danny davis or tom dart
- Tiger - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:24 pm:
First thought is that this actually helps Quinn in that City Committeemen will want to drive up turnout in November to gain influence and importance in the Mayoral race.
- ZC - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:25 pm:
I would agree with the earliest handicappers who put money on Tom Dart. But, who the heck knows? It depends on what the field looks like, and who the Top Two wind up.
You need both a base, and the ability to attract from other candidates’ base in the run-off. I think Dart would be a formidable final-two. Don’t know about his base in the first round.
Rahm might be running in the wrong year, what with having to testify at the Blago trial in early 2011. But, he’s surprised folks before. He’s a tough, tenacious campaigner who can raise big bucks.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:27 pm:
===This is a milestone. The last time there was an open seat was over 100 years ago. ===
Pretty sure that Kelly dropped out and let Kennelly win the 1947 primary. So, it’ll be 64 years. lol
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:30 pm:
I’ve got a weird feeling we’re looking at a dark horse here.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:30 pm:
From the rumor mill, I heard over the weekend that Jeremiah Joyce was pulling away from Daley because he was sick of his union busting ways. I wonder if that helped this decision.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:31 pm:
The Blago trial will be starting in January - around the time the mayoral race will be heating up. There’s a chance Rahm Emanuel will be called to testify. I doubt he anticipated a second trial starting in the middle of the campaign.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:33 pm:
I am not bored anymore…thanks Mayor for knowing when to pack it in…
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:34 pm:
Chicago was just ranked sixth worldwide in global cities using a variety of criteria. The money behind the global businesses, cultural institutions and educational resources that helped get Chicago into that ranking and level of worldwide influence are not going to be having the likes of Emil Jones or Art Turner as mayor of Chicago. This is not a knock on these gentlemen as good Chicagoans or as individuals, but c’mon get real.
- the Other Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:35 pm:
Mayor Rahm? Good for the country, bad for Chicago.
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:36 pm:
Dart, Jesse Jr., Guiteriez, are being talked about. Dick Durbin was on WGN news radio saying how much Rahm is needed in the White House.
The sad thing is, it looks like Mayor Daley’s wife’s health may be the main reason all of this has come about.
- Knome Sane - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:38 pm:
=Kelly dropped out and let Kennelly win the 1947 primary=
Touche, Rich. However, the Democratic machine was firing on all cylinders at that time and Kennelly was preferred over the hack Kelly. But this was hardly an “open” primary. Know what I’m Sayin?
- Nutjob - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:45 pm:
What about JB Pritzker. Pull a Bloomberg and write a big check and own the airwaves.
- Who cares - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:47 pm:
=From the rumor mill, I heard over the weekend that Jeremiah Joyce was pulling away from Daley because he was sick of his union busting ways. I wonder if that helped this decision.=
I think Jeremiah is spending a lot more time in Florida these days. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have influence but not like the old days.
- Cosmic Charlie - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:47 pm:
The only time Dart went out on his own was when he ran for Treasurer and he got crushed in one of the biggest Democratic years in a generation. He was handed the State Senate Seat, handed the State Rep Seat and handed the Sheriff’s Office. How will he do running for Mayor on his own? Well, if history teaches us anything, not well.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:48 pm:
JB doesn’t live in the city & couldn’t win a congressional election
- nortsider - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:49 pm:
Pritzker will be raising money for Gidwitz!
- lakeview - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:50 pm:
Pat Fitzgerald must be so disappointed.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 7, 10 @ 3:53 pm:
Comments closed. Go here for a fresh thread.