*** UPDATED x1 *** Question of the day
Thursday, Sep 6, 2018 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Shia Kapos…
Just hours after we reported here that the state comptroller was among those on the list to possibly run for mayor, Mendoza took the stage for a City Club luncheon. “There’s a been a big development for me and for others in Chicago,” she told the hushed crowd. “It was a huge gut check for me. It was pretty emotional. In hindsight I guess I should have seen it coming. I thought I was prepared, but when it happened I just kind of lost it.” She paused. “My husband and I dropped our son off for his first day of kindergarten.” The crowd roared, expecting, of course, an announcement about her possible mayoral ambitions.
Mendoza went on to talk about her work as comptroller, explain Illinois’ budget mess and how she’s worked to bring about government and financial transparency. During the Q&A and later with reporters, Mendoza ducked questions about whether she’ll run for mayor. “I’m not thinking about mayor right now,” she said, adding her focus is on running for comptroller.
A possible scenario if Mendoza wants the mayor job: She keeps running for comptroller and wins re-election Nov. 6. Then (if J.B. Pritzker also wins) Mendoza has three weeks to gather signatures to run for mayor. If she were to win the mayor’s race, then Pritzker would appoint her replacement. If she loses, she’s still comptroller. Lots of ifs.
Raw video is here.
* Tribune…
After a speech to the City Club of Chicago on Wednesday, the first-term Democratic comptroller said she was “fielding a lot of calls yesterday.” She did not say whether she’d join the crowded mayoral field, which is expected to grow between now and November when candidacy papers need to be filed.
“I’m not thinking about mayor right now,” she said. “I’m thinking about the next 62 days. … I think I would be great at any job I do, and I would never run for an office if I don’t think I’m the best person for that office. Right now I’m running for comptroller.”
“These next 62 days are no joke. I mean this is what it’s about. And then, you know, time will …” Mendoza said, pausing. “I don’t even want to talk about the mayor’s race, frankly, until after November.”
Asked later if she was ruling out a mayoral bid, Mendoza didn’t answer directly, again saying she is focused on her re-election campaign.
* CBS 2…
Current Illinois Comptroller and former City Clerk, Susana Mendoza, has nearly $1.4 million.
* The Question: Should Mendoza run for mayor? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
survey solution
*** UPDATE *** ILGOP…
“In an attempt to deceive voters, Susana Mendoza is hoping to dodge questions about a Chicago Mayoral bid until after Illinoisans have cast their vote for Comptroller in November,” Illinois Republican Party Executive Director Travis Sterling said. “Illinoisans deserve the full truth when they head to the ballot box, and Mendoza has made it clear that she is not committed to four years as Illinois’ Comptroller.”
- DarkDante - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 1:57 pm:
I voted yes. I just like Mendoza. I think she has done good job, her transparency initiatives have been laudable, and she does a good job making an arcane job seem understandable to the layperson (or at least as well as anyone). Here experience at the municipal and state levels of government bode well for developing skills (she can sell a “hit the ground running” perspective). Also deserves to be said: she is a Latina in an increasingly diverse city, and this could give her a good base of political support. Flip side: does her lack of national experience play at all?
- Lucky Charms - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:03 pm:
Wasn’t she a big law and order person in the GA/not on board for criminal justice reform
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:05 pm:
I think she outclasses the other current crop of candidates, some by far. That said, I would like her to pick a lane and stay in it long before November. Others have done similar things, but I find it distasteful when politicians get elected and immediately start running for another job.
- Nice - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:05 pm:
Susana’s voice sounded very squeaky and high pitch during her interviews. I found it very grating much like scratching fingernails on a chalkboard.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:07 pm:
I think she has the brains, personality and ambition for it, but the timing isn’t great and she’d be in a better position after being in the Comptroller’s office for another term, first.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:09 pm:
I voted no. I think she would do a good job but I would rather see he as governor and I know that means waiting on J B
Really when if ever has a Chicago Mayor gone on to state wide or federal office. She would have to want to be mayor for life
- Stark - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:11 pm:
Susana is tough, smart, and fair. Being Mayor of Chicago will inevitably load a potential Mendoza administration down with structural policy problems that will take years and billions of dollars to fix. In short, if you’re going for the effective moniker, you aren’t going to keep it with your name if you choose to assume office in a city as unique as Chicago. Stay with the safe bet, stay on the ballot and serve another term to boost your statewide favorables and name recognition ahead of perhaps a future run for Governor or U.S. Senator.
- Anon - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:12 pm:
Seen as too close to Madigan, and in reality *way* too close to Burke.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:13 pm:
I voted yes. Most people in her situation, I would have voted no. But I like her. Of all the plausible names I’ve heard, she has the best chance to unite the city and I believe would be the best fiscal steward as well. It is unfortunate the time table might not be workable for a mayoral run.
- Wentworth - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:15 pm:
She has the drive, the ambition, the moxie, the retail (not genuine one-on-one) charisma but she does not have the intellect or the leadership abilities for the job.
She has been wise to surround herself with great staff though, that bodes well. Comptroller is a great job for her - gadfly on the side stinging the larger animal. Do you really want Susana trying to figure out the nuclear bomb that is Chicago’s financial mess in 2.5 years?
- SaulGoodman - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:15 pm:
**Wasn’t she a big law and order person in the GA/not on board for criminal justice reform**
Yes.
- dbk - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:19 pm:
Boy she is good at politics.
I voted “Yes,” but maybe it would be preferable she gain additional cred by serving a second term and then run for governor. She’s young enough so that JB could serve two terms and then she’d have her chance. She could become a really good gov.
OTOH, I’m not very impressed by the declared candidates for Mayor to date. Waiting for others to declare.
For such an important city and important job (national level), the candidate pool is pretty uninspiring.
- Driving a car - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:26 pm:
Can any commenters who voted no name someone better suited for the job?
- west wing - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:26 pm:
Voters are electing her to be state comptroller - quit shopping for offices and focus on the one you’re running for. She’s having a positive impact on the statewide scene - stick with that.
- Amalia - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:29 pm:
I really like her and I think she does a good job in her current job and as a State Rep. but the job of Mayor of Chicago is very big, and i think someone with more tools is more appropriate. Intrigued by Mike Quigley running.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:29 pm:
It means nothing. It’s not even something to nothing.
The two I’m watching to see… Preckwinkle and… Mendoza.
I’m watching both, but to the QOTD…
Here’s some real political things to weigh;
As city clerk, she navigated the wards. Probably has some chits left, cashed a few running in 2016.
She *could* get Rahm’s money base. In a crowded field, a woman, but with ties to the Rahm money guys…
After running an abysmal race in 2016, showing great skill and deft, Mendoza is seen in political circles as someone to take very serious.
She has better people in more important spots now, and keeping them involved in a campaign mode… helpful.
She’s likable. She’s tough, and tough enough. Smart without being smug, can deliver a line without it seemly fed… and comes off normal without any acting to seem normal.
So… to the QOTD?
I voted yes… i think she learned a great deal.
You can run a mediocre campaign and win, but that only works when you, yourself can gin up what carries you across the line.
Three years will pass if she loses the mayoral race, and will likely be Comptroller too.
I’m watching. I voted yes.
- Slugger O'Toole - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:30 pm:
==Boy she is good at politics.==
Which is why I voted no.
- Jerry - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:30 pm:
Yes, she should. Everyone in Chicago should. I mean, why not? Not often that you get a wide open shot like this.
- illini - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:32 pm:
Voted No. Susana has demonstrated her competence, independence and her willingness to do the job she was elected to do - and to do it well.
In spite of her small stature she has a huge heart and is extremely dedicated to doing what is right for all of us in this state, especially those who have never really had a voice.
As a downstate Democrat, and speaking only for myself, many of us know her and respect her ability and see great things in her future when the time is right.
This is not the right time for her to run for Mayor - there will be other, and better, opportunities for her to continue her service to our state.
- Matt Vernau - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:33 pm:
Voted No. Chicago is in even more trouble than the state. She will surely gather more black marks and make later campaigns harder. Rather she ran for Governor.
- Robert the Bruce - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:39 pm:
Yes. Experienced and quick on her feet.
She should jump in quickly. That would put some pressure on other Latino politicians to rally around her rather than crowd the field.
- Last Bull Moose - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
Voted no because I want Vallas to win. The next Mayor will serve one term and leave with blood on their hands. The fiscal picture is dire, taxes have to go up. Not sure if services can be cut. Many departments were underfunded when Daley was mayor.
Vallas has the financial experience and skills to get through the hard times.
- don the legend - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:42 pm:
Voted no. She’s right where this state needs her. Chicago’s problems are so large that they will completely handcuff the next mayor from doing anything other than months and months of triage.
On another note. === If she loses, she’s still comptroller.===
I didn’t know JB was a she.
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:44 pm:
Voted no. The State is better off with her as Comptroller.
- John Deere Green - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:56 pm:
Voted yes…though torn. The state has benefitted from her refusal to be a wallflower, and it needs her voice and no-nonsense attitude. Yet, the third largest city in the country needs a strong leader who embraces challenges and has the will to fix them.
“She has been wise to surround herself with great staff”
Yeah, well, that’s kind of the key, right? Doubtful any of the most successful public servants - pick your level of government - had all the right answers. And anyone who thinks Mendoza doesn’t have the intellect or leadership ability to be mayor doesn’t know her. Maybe you met her; you don’t know her.
- Stones - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:58 pm:
Voted yes. If that is her ambition there will never be a better time.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:00 pm:
Voted no. She should serve a full term as comptroller. Then, when whoever “wins” this time is left a battered mess at the end of their first term, she’ll be perfectly positioned to swoop in and run as a seasoned savior.
- ChicagoVinny - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Voted yes. I’d vote for her for Mayor.
- Contract Disputin' - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:11 pm:
Yes. At this, rate, you might need only 50,000 votes to make it to the second round. She got 327,000 in her contested 2011 race.
- It's the Economy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:12 pm:
Watch the video. She has performed more miracles in her year and a half as Comptroller than most state officials do in their whole career. If she’s willing to take on Chicago’s financial mess, there is no one better equipped to tackle it. (Though why she’d want that instead of coasting through 4 easy years as Comptroller with a friendly governor this time is beyond me.) And she’s got the experience and fearless political chops to get the votes to get things done.
- Downtown - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:16 pm:
The real downtown money will NOT get behind her. Not necessarily a bad thing but she is seen as a Madigan hack amongst the businessfolks and non-machinists in Chicago.
- Fax Machine - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:21 pm:
Depends who else runs, if Preckwinkle goes for it I don’t think there will be too many other non-retiring current electeds in the race.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:24 pm:
Voted no. She’s been a great Comptroller and the next Mayor is going to likely be a one-termer. Better to stay put and see how things shake out
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:34 pm:
Voted no for selfish reasons. She would be a great mayor for Chicago, but I would much rather keep her as Comptroller. Illinois needs her in that job. I’d like to see her move up to another state-wide office like SOS or Gov. Sorry, Chicago.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:37 pm:
I voted Yes. I would have voted “hell yes” if it was an option. I was a skeptic but she has impressed the hell out of me both with her political skills and her commitment to transparency and better government. She’d be a formidable candidate.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:39 pm:
Yes, if she can outline a vision of what she would like to accomplish as mayor.
- it'smyopinion - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:40 pm:
Nice - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 2:05 pm:
Susana’s voice sounded very squeaky and high pitch during her interviews. I found it very grating much like scratching fingernails on a chalkboard.
Dear “Nice”
No matter your gender, commenting negatively on a woman’s voice is off limits. Thanks.
I voted yes. I think she does a great job assembling top notch staff. Her entire legislative agenda passed this year. She’s unique in the field as she comes off as such a “regular Joe.” She’s pretty brave politically and also when bad guys need chased down on the street. She’s spontaneous enough but also seems to have a really good plan in her back pocket. I voted yes, but after reading all the comments, maybe she should wait and run for mayor later. She is killing it as Comptroller.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:45 pm:
Dear Travis Sterling,
No one knows who the Raunerite Comptroller nominee is…
You should worry about that.
There’s probably any number of reasons why Raunerites are conceding the SoS race, the Treasurer race… and conceding to Susana Mendoza.
- JT11505 - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:45 pm:
Downtown - Let’s be serious, the real downtown money will get behind whoever it thinks will win.
- Shytown - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:46 pm:
Is this even a question? Yes, yes, yes.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
No.
She’d be a hell of a partner for JB in the comptroller’s office.
- Pundent - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:51 pm:
I agree with Emanuel’s assessment that none of the current crop of candidates will likely be the next mayor. Each of them is uniquely flawed. As much as I would like to see Mendoza continue as Comptroller, she’s clearly better than any of the already announced alternatives. I suspect that the front runner will be either her or Preckwinkle. One of the other, but not both. It may come down to which one blinks first.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:51 pm:
Time to finally merge the Treasurer and Comptroller offices?
- Perrid - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 3:53 pm:
Voted no. I’ve been thinking he was going for Governor or national office in the future, so going on that baseless feeling my telepathy gives me regarding her wants and desires, I don’t think she takes the sidesways/downward step into the mayor’s office.
As to the GOP’s statement, they must be even better mind readers than I am, since they evidently know she’s going to run with absolutely no evidence either.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:06 pm:
I voted no because I believe we need her as Comptroller for a while longer.
- Earnest - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:08 pm:
I voted ‘no,’ because I think she’s a great Comptroller. Some of that is nonpartisan on her part–I think she’d have been in conflict with Quinn in much the same way she has been with Rauner. Some of that is partisan–it seemed like she was the first Democrat in the state to start countering Rauner’s messaging (after a very long silence).
- Cookie monster - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:27 pm:
Dorothy Cook, Clerk if the Circuit Court of Cook County, is positioned to emerge as a front runner in the race for Chicago Mayor.
- revvedup - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:48 pm:
Voted “NO”, because we need her in Statewide office more than her being Mayor of a dysfunctional city. She also would inherit issues running long before her time, without the resources to address them, and be ruined after one term.
- Mama - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:49 pm:
She would be crazy to quit as the State Comptroller now. She is a great State Comptroller, and IL needs her to finish what she has started there. She could run for the Chicago Mayor or she could run for the Governor office after she serves her second term with the Comptroller’s office.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:49 pm:
Will she teach us how to spell Mayor?
- Left Leaner - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:52 pm:
Voted yes because she’s smart, genuine, a strong leader, gutsy problem solver and willing to learn. She has the energy, grit and know how to get the job done, is well respected, and thinks outside of the old political boxes. She doesn’t have the highest profile at the moment, but is ready for prime time.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:53 pm:
I voted No because I think she’s done very well as Comptroller and I could see her running for Governor some day.
- Mama - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 4:54 pm:
I wish Susana was running for governor right now. I believe she could win.
- Colin O'Scopy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:15 pm:
I honestly like her and I want her to do well in her career. However, she is not ready to be Mayor of Chicago so I voted “no”.
- Driving a car - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:17 pm:
I challenge everyone here to name one person who could beat her
- Been There - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:44 pm:
=====Boy she is good at politics.==
Which is why I voted no====
One of the dumbest statements ever on this blog.
But I voted no also. Only because I’m am already with another candidate. I think she is definitely qualified and I think she has been a great elected official in every position she has had. And to top it off she is good at politics. Anybody who wants a candidate who is bad at politics should just unregister as a voter.
- Been There - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:49 pm:
===I challenge everyone here to name one person who could beat her===
I’m not backing her but Preckwinkle could. Not a slam dunk and one on one I would take Mendoza anyday.
- Independent - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:49 pm:
@driving a car - Preckwinkle could beat her. Not saying she would win but she would be a formidable opponent.
- Almost the weekend - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 5:56 pm:
She has done a good job but back in 16, people kind of forget Madigan cleared the primary for her, which would have been very interesting because Biss was working hard all over the state. And anti-Trump helped carry her over the line. She has done a great job in office holding Rauner accountable, but I don’t think she can navigate city politics, she has a voting record to look through which doesn’t reflect the current political atmosphere. I say she runs because she is very ambitious but I don’t think she can navigate the path to victory.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 6:01 pm:
===but I don’t think she can navigate city politics===
I think Mendoza won citywide…maybe once.
- Almost the weekend - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 6:23 pm:
Winning ctiywide for City Clerk is like winning statewide for Comptroller or Treasurer. I can think of several statewide candidates this century who ran for higher office (Governor and US Senate) and lost.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 6:31 pm:
===I can think of several statewide candidates this century who ran for higher office (Governor and US Senate) and lost.===
Edgar and Ryan both won…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 6:34 pm:
===I can think of several statewide candidates this century who ran for higher office (Governor and US Senate) and lost.===
Pat Quinn won too…
- Original Rambler - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 6:39 pm:
Voted yes. She’s very impressive one-on-one. Doesn’t back down from a challenge. Surrounded herself with a good staff. Waaay better then any announced candidates to date.
I am curious how many of the no votes are because people want her to continue as Comptroller and not because she is somehow not capable.
Finally, for those saying wait for JB, you can bet that Stratton will be teed up to take over when he ultimately retires, assuming he wins. If JB wins, that office is locked up for the next 12 years.
- Yooper in Diaspora - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 9:11 pm:
@Original Rambler: I am one who voted “no” because I’d like to see Mendoza’s focus remain for now at the state level–not because I don’t see her as competent enough for Chicago mayor. Run for an office you’re committed to–and stick that one out for a while–before moving on to something else. I agree also with those who would like to see Mendoza run for mayor one day. She has the ability to connect across the state, not only in Chicago.
- RiverNorthJon - Thursday, Sep 6, 18 @ 11:19 pm:
Why not? She should go for it because the rest of the pack is less qualified and probably won’t do as good of a job with a very difficult situation.
- Veil of Ignorance - Friday, Sep 7, 18 @ 1:41 pm:
No. Too much Rahm affiliation and it would be a misread of what’s happening politically in Chicago. If she stays at Comptroller, then she can avoid taking tricky positions on city issues that are alot harder to make safe talking points on. Folks aren’t looking for Rahm or Daley 2.0 and a minority face won’t be enough to separate those that aligned with either those mayors or the Machine.