DSA gains ground in aldermanic races
Wednesday, Feb 27, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
If their success on Tuesday carries over to the April runoff elections, there could be as many as five card-carrying democratic socialists on the City Council this Spring — which would be the most on the Chicago governing body in more than a century.
Members’ victories in two aldermanic races and ballot success putting them in three runoff contests have already led to talk of an incoming socialist caucus. […]
[Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa] is one of the members of the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who won outright on Tuesday: New member Daniel La Spata upset Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno in the Near Northwest Side’s 1st Ward. […]
Socialist Rosanna Rodríguez-Sánchez will head to April’s runoff against incumbent Ald. Deb Mell in the 33rd Ward. Rodríguez-Sánchez broke into tears of joy several times at her watch party at Chief O’Neils in Avondale after hearing she’d earned the most votes in the three-way race. […]
Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who heads the Pilsen Alliance, credited the party for helping him in the race for the seat vacated by retiring Ald. Danny Solis (25th). Sigcho-Lopez will face Alex Acevado in April.
* Sigcho-Lopez faced allegations of shenanigans in the closing days. From Friday…
Byron Sigcho Lopez, a candidate for 25th Ward alderman, denounced allegations that his supporters engaged in ballot theft at a Chinatown senior center.
Earlier this week, candidate Hilario Dominguez, a former teacher and activist, along with State Rep. Theresa Mah, whose 2nd District seat includes Chinatown and Pilsen, leveled the allegations at Sigcho Lopez’s supporters.
They alleged his supporters took incomplete vote-by-mail ballots from seniors at the Chinatown Elderly Apartments, 300 W. 23rd St. They were then told their ballots would be filled out for Sigcho Lopez because they had previously received a free meal at Phoenix Restaurant from Sigcho Lopez’s campaign, the state representative and the aldermanic challenger alleged.
* Yesterday…
The Illinois Attorney General’s office and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office are investigating a complaint that alleges supporters of candidate Byron Sigcho Lopez were buying votes in the 25th Ward Tuesday.
A complaint was filed with the agencies after voters were seen requesting gift cards after casting ballots at Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments, 1354 S. Morgan St., in the 25th Ward’s 4th precinct.
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, which staffs a hotline where voters can report electoral abuse, initially sent poll watchers to the site after receiving complaints that the precinct was refusing to let people register to vote, said Ami Gandhi, an attorney with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.
During the visit, poll watchers observed what they described as “strange” behavior — voters entering one room, casting their ballot and then entering a separate room across the hall where they allegedly received $20 gift cards in exchange for a vote for Sigcho Lopez, said Matt Owens, an attorney and field captain for election protection with Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.
Results for that race are here.
…Adding… Related…
* Hours after historic election, Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle each argue they’re more progressive than the other: Preckwinkle attempted to take what has been a political weakness — her ties to party establishment amid strong calls for change at City Hall — and turn it on its head by noting that Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former Mayor Richard M. Daley had appointed Lightfoot to positions. “While my opponent was taking multiple appointments in the Daley and Emanuel administrations, I fought the power elite who have been trying to hold this city back,” Preckwinkle said during her election night speech.
- Steve - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:37 pm:
10% of Chicago’s City Council as socialists. Pretty amazing.
- Tweed Jacket - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:39 pm:
It’s Democratic Socialists of America.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:41 pm:
Wow Vman, you post that on your state computer?
- TopHatMonocle - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:41 pm:
VanillaMan, are you in charge of the ILGOP twitter account by chance? Wow.
- Unpopular - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:41 pm:
Socialism has worked out well every where it has been tried. I am sure it will go well for us here also.
- The Captain - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:43 pm:
Notwithstanding the offensive comment @2:37 …
The DSA showing was somewhat surprising and in some instances, such as La Spata’s clear victory despite his own oppo problems, very surprising. Was there a strong under-the-radar organizing effort among the DSA crowd, either online or in other ways? It seems like maybe there’s a story here.
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:49 pm:
I know a lot of these folks. I have a young relative who is very involved with the Chicago DSA. They have worked their butts off. It’s crazy how they are always working. They wear me out just looking at their facebook posts. They are devoted. They are driven. They are going to have success.
- City Zen - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:51 pm:
==[Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa] is one of the members of the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)==
The same guy who gave a Nissan dealership selling automobiles built in a right-to-work state $5 million to move from one Chicago ward into his ward is a socialist?
- Steve - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:56 pm:
La Spata should have been able to win given Proco’s massive current/future problems.
- lakeside - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
@CityZen - Mark Fishman, is that you?
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
Citizen Zen. I am not familiar with that Nissan transaction but since he was not using own money and probably tax money still can be considered socialist
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:58 pm:
The problem with these DSA Aldermen is that the very thing they want to stop, erosion of affordable housing, will be exasperated by their proposed policies.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 2:59 pm:
The Economist recently devoted an entire cover story to this new Millennial Socialism phenomenon. “Free stuff for you, paid for by them,” is a winning message for anyone who doesn’t understand economics.
Just a bunch of crazy, mixed-up kids if you ask me. AOC and the rest are certainly not leading the Democratic party. Not now, nor anytime soon. But it gives the Fox News howlers something to talk about to keep their viewers glued to the tee vee box.
Case in point: Deb Mell will easily beat her Socialist opponent in the run-off. As Hyman Roth said to Michael Corleone, “After all, we are not communists.”
- Bobby Beagle - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:07 pm:
Glad to see Carlos win handily despite a massive well funded smear campaign against him, while Mendoza flamed out when her shady connections where laid bare for everyone to judge.
Take a note armchair political prognosticators: There’s a lot going on in Chicago on the ground that isn’t being picked up, reported, or otherwise taken seriously by the large or traditional news outlets. This is all the more evident by Lightfoot’s defeat of Boss Toni and Daley.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:09 pm:
It would be very surprising if O’Connor or Mell lost to socialists in the runoffs. Did most voters know they were socialists?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:15 pm:
Lightfoot is actually is somewhat moderate when you deliver into her proposals. Not Ramirez Rosa though. He’s terrible and will only make housing scarcer and thus more expensive in his ward.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:20 pm:
LA Spalta is going to be just as bad as Ramirez Rosa. Look to see housing costs increase in those wards.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:21 pm:
I think those who light their hair on fire about “socialism” need to define it so we’re all on the same page.
And please — don’t just say “Venezuela,” or cherry pick some Bartlett’s quote, but give a thorough definition as what “socialism” means as political faction within a Western representative democracy.
If you’re not sure of your definition, you can find out more at your public library. Those were started here by Ben Franklin. Cards are free to anyone.
- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:21 pm:
AOC and the rest are certainly not leading the Democratic party. Not now, nor anytime soon.
Really? Who is driving the debate on the Democratic side any harder?
Presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Corey Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Julian Castro all signed on to her Green New Deal
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/429342-what-key-2020-candidates-are-saying-about-the-green-new-deal
- Denisquared - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:22 pm:
Still hoping the Solis wire ultimately leads to a consent decree recommending or mandating less Alderman with limited corruption powers
- Practical Politics - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
“Take a note armchair political prognosticators: There’s a lot going on in Chicago on the ground that isn’t being picked up, reported, or otherwise taken seriously by the large or traditional news outlets.”
Is it time to stop relying upon Russ Stewart’s predictions? LOL. Daley in the runoff… O’Connor winning outright. Arena victorious in a runoff.
- Actual Red - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:24 pm:
@47th
I’m curious why you think Mell is such a sure think, given she had fewer votes that Rosanna and the third candidate also ran as a progressive. Just as easy to believe that her supporters would back Rodriguez-Sanchez in the run off.
- Bill Baar - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
You wouldn’t know it from their website, or FB page.
- Shytown - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:28 pm:
Byron is endorsed by the CTU and they will say/do anything to win. These antics are not surprising.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:33 pm:
AR,
I’m no fan of Mell overall, but she’s not a socialist. Her ward is gentrifying, but it ain’t Logan Square and probably never will be. The people I know who live there are more frightened by these socialists than they are of typical, run of the mill Machine hijinx.
Rosanna (is that what we’re calling her?) has yard signs that read: “Neighborhoods for the Many.” I think that’s a tough sell in Ravenswood Manor, lol.
- Ole General - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:44 pm:
Reminds me of Oregon recently passing a statewide rent control bill. Yes, let’s deincentivize building new housing and alleviating the demand crunch. That will work.
Unfortunately these policies always hurt the people they intend to help. Rent-control only attracts high-end development or no development at all, leading to increased rents ala San Francisco
Minimum wage increases lead to more monies spent on R&D to reduce labor impact. All good intentions. All hurt the stated constituents.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:58 pm:
–Minimum wage increases lead to more monies spent on R&D to reduce labor impact. –
I’m pretty sure that humanity’s constant quest for labor-saving technology predated the first minimum wage.
Ask the Luddites.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:58 pm:
Katie was the third candidate in the Mell race. Most of voters will likely go to Mell. Susanna and her supporters are not good people. They were pinching yard signs throughout the neighborhood.
- Minooka Minnie - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:05 pm:
I can call myself a scratch golfer all day but the scorecards say otherwise. TP is in a similar situation re being progressive.
The Daley/Emanuel appointee angle is unlikely to bear much fruit against Lori. She stood up to run against Rahm when others would not.
I wish TP had done so in 2015. Would’ve spared us a lot of misery in this City.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
Ole G, you sound like Ivankha.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:26 pm:
Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 3:58 pm:
I know this is you Mell. You are worse.
- Fav human - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:27 pm:
I think the Mells can turn out voters better than the other side.
Burke didn’t win because he’s a nice guy..
- lakeside - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:30 pm:
==They were pinching yard signs throughout the neighborhood.==
Signs going missing in the 33rd Ward? Heavens to Betsy. Where *are* my pearls?
(Probably the best way to prove you’re a true blue daughter of the ward, tbh.)
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:31 pm:
Lol, nope I’m not Mell. I’m one of many victims of the stolen yard signs.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:32 pm:
Could you imagine the outrage if Rosanna signs were being stolen?
- Actual Red - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:33 pm:
@Fav human
If Mell can turn out voters better than the other side, why didn’t she, you know, turn out voters better than the other side?
- Fav human - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:41 pm:
Excellent question. But I suspect the motivation factor is much higher now…
- Big Jer - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:44 pm:
=== think those who light their hair on fire about “socialism” need to define it so we’re all on the same page===
===If you’re not sure of your definition, you can find out more at your public library. Those were started here by Ben Franklin. Cards are free to anyone====
Proof of why the Capitol Fax comment award is named after wordslinger.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:52 pm:
===I think those who light their hair on fire about “socialism” need to define it so we’re all on the same page.===
OK, here’s an example. The Chicago City Council is expected to debate what’s being called a “restrictive scheduling” ordinance that would mandate employers to guarantee an employee’s schedule. If the schedule was unilaterally changed by the employer, the employee still gets paid. This is coming on the heels of mandatory paid leave.
Now I happen to think it would be nice if employees all had these perqs and earned a living wage. That’s why I support unions. But to use the city council to jam through union work rules and give them the force of law is too much. It crosses the line into socialism.
That’s how I’d define it. In this context.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:54 pm:
Rent control never works. Look at SF and NYC. You would think people would on Oregon would realize that.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 4:55 pm:
47th that’s a great job killer too.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 5:05 pm:
47, that’s not a definition of socialism, that’s opposition to a particular ordinance.
Governments on all levels in the United States have been passing laws on workplace standards and the employer/employee relationship for 100 years.
Minimum wage laws, overtime laws, unemployment insurance, family leave, etc., are just a few examples that effect the issue of compensation.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 5:19 pm:
- It crosses the line into socialism. -
Typical privileged Northside phony.
- Get the quote right - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 5:20 pm:
47th: Hyman Roth never said that, it was Don Barzini to the heads of the five families.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 5:24 pm:
I stand corrected. Thanks.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 5:48 pm:
I’m pleasantly surprised to see Ald. Mell trailing candidate Rodriguez, runoff notwithstanding. I think the socialism scare tactic might not carry the weight it used to.
If Democratic Socialism seeks to make a workable blend of socialism and capitalism, like Scandinavian countries and even our country, with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc., count me in.
If Democratic Socialism, or any socialism, seeks to obliterate the private sector and bring us to a childishly impossible utopia of egalitarianism, count me out.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 6:18 pm:
What is a Northside phony?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 6:20 pm:
Grandson, interestingly, Scandinavia has been trending away from it’s old Social Democracy.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 8:02 pm:
Arena got clobbered by a neanderthal. He is a poverty pusher like La Splata.
- Shemp - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 9:37 pm:
Never fear 47th, no matter how you defined or exemplified socialism, wordslinger was going to parse it to make you in the wrong or to at least belittle your argument. WS knows more than anyone here, just ask him.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 10:14 pm:
DSA….gak.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Feb 27, 19 @ 10:38 pm:
Amalia, hold your wallet close and tight.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Feb 28, 19 @ 8:31 am:
For those who despise socialism, when income disparity is too large, when nearly trillion-dollar corporations like Amazon are getting massive tax breaks, when the country does not have universal healthcare like other Western countries, when union rights are getting stripped, when there is inherent and stubborn institutional racism, etc., the foundations for socialism are being laid.
Don’t like socialism? Then don’t create the conditions that bring it about.
- Stark - Thursday, Feb 28, 19 @ 8:59 am:
Wow, it’s almost as if decades of failures from incumbent establishment politicians is nudging people to something they view as a departure from the status quo. Wild, who would have thought? /s