* I did something today in my Sun-Times column that I’ve never done before. I endorsed a political candidate.

I debated this step a long time with myself, but my editor at the paper approved the idea so I went with it because: 1) The incumbent is a ridiculous dud who I observed closely while I lived in his ward; and 2) His challenger is a good friend who, in my opinion, would be a great alternative.

“Downtown, we have more dogs than people. Everybody’s got to have a dog. You know why? They’re lonely. The young women don’t have kids yet. They’re not married. So, they have a dog as a child. And some of the fellas who don’t want to get married — they want to have kids around, so they have a dog. That’s a substitute.” –Ald. Burt Natarus, Oct. 21, 2006

Natarus said he’s witnessed numerous problems outside the [Ice Bar], including people with guns. When asked why he never called 911, Natarus said: “I could be in court all day. I could be cross-examined all day, and I’m not that certain. I’m not at all certain, I don’t think the courts regard an alderman as a good witness.'’ –Sun-Times, Dec. 22, 2006

Real estate interests contributed $1.7 million — more than any other industry — to the campaign coffers of 20 Chicago aldermen over an 18-month period, and 13 percent of that money went to one politician: Ald. Burton F. Natarus (42nd), a study shows. –Sun-Times, Jan. 30

It’s been obvious for a long time now that Ald. Burt Natarus needs to go. Natarus, who recently described himself as a “buffoon,” outlived his usefulness decades ago.

The city’s election board sent out a notification late yesterday that the third challenger in that aldermanic race had dropped out, but he will remain on the ballot because he made his move so late. Brendan Reilly has a new TV ad (Natarus is said to be finally checking ad rates) and you can see it here.

* What does your alderman do? And why are there 50 of them?

* Solis gets ballot lawsuit tossed

* Three running for 10th ward alderman

* Beavers takes on Jackson, newcomers - ‘Am I running against the congressman or . . . his wife?’

* Ward races zone in on development plans - Rivals target North Side’s hot real estate market

* Chicago community leader eyes council seat

* Challengers accuse Matlak of pay-to-play politics - Zaryczny calls on alderman to pay back city for patronage army

* Another forum, but no Haithcock in sight - Columbia journos grill Second Ward challengers

* SJ-R: “Ward 10 Ald. Bruce Strom said Thursday if he is elected [Springfield] mayor, it’s unlikely he would retain Springfield Police Chief Don Kliment.”

This is a local elections open thread.