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* From a press release…
COMPTROLLER DAN HYNES ENDORSES RAHM EMANUEL FOR MAYOR
Says Rahm has the strength to see reform through
“The challenges facing the city of Chicago are great, and Rahm Emanuel is the candidate with the strength, experience and determination to meet them,” said Hynes. “Throughout his career, Rahm has fought tirelessly on behalf of average Chicagoans and Americans, whether it was taking on the NRA to prevent criminals from obtaining guns or taking on the federal bureaucracy to make it easier for college students to apply for financial aid. His plans to make our streets safe, our schools strong, and our city finances stable are what Chicago needs at this critical time.”
Rahm is honored by the Comptroller’s endorsement. “Comptroller Hynes has been a constant check on mismanagement in Illinois government, as the architect of the ban on pay-to-play and an advocate for government transparency and fiscal responsibility. I am honored to have his support as I work to bring greater accountability to city government and end business as usual in Chicago.”
Hynes will join Rahm for campaign events on the South and Southwest sides on Saturday.
Thoughts?
…Adding… Gery Chico said he doesn’t want a new casino downtown…
He pointed to northwest Indiana’s casinos as proof that Chicagoans will travel if they want to gamble.
“People find their way there. This does not have to be right downtown,” Chico said. “This could be in an area where we could get the greatest economic impact to help our residents with jobs and tax revenues and other fee income for the city.”
But where? Surely not in a neighborhood. I asked the Chico campaign for a more complete explanation, but they need to get back to me.
…Adding… The Chico campaign claims that he’s not actually ruling anything out, but that it just doesn’t have to be in downtown, regardless of what the story says. He’s simply looking for the best place to create the most jobs and the most economic development.
* The Sun-Times congratulated mayoral candidates for talking about the issues this week…
So it’s reassuring that in the early phase of Chicago’s mayoral election the candidates have spent more time talking about the city’s future than attacking each other.
* Maybe somebody could ask about this one…
A Chicago marketing company has launched an effort to try to get neighbors not to put chairs in street parking spaces when they shovel them out after snow storms.
Blocking out shoveled street parking spaces, or “dibs,” is a Chicago tradition. On Wednesday, the marketing firm Proximity Chicago launched a community effort called Chair Free Chicago. The company calls it a movement of citizens who think public spaces should remain public.They call putting out the chairs a polarizing tradition.
* But you won’t get an answer from Rahm Emanuel at a debate because he’s only going to one. The Sun-Times isn’t pleased about that…
He owes it to the people of Chicago, who deserve every opportunity to question and study the candidates up close and as a group during this abbreviated election season. And if Emanuel fails to show up, the voters — and, for that matter, newspaper editorial boards — are right to hold it against him.
I hope they do, and I hope they make it clear during their endorsement session with him.
* I agree with the Sun-Times edit on this point…
We don’t care where he sends his kids to school. […]
We know this is a sore point for many Chicagoans who question how serious a mayor can be about improving the public schools if he or she won’t even send his or her own kids there.
But we also know there’s not a parent in town who wouldn’t send their own son or daughter to the best school they could afford and could get the kid into, public or private. No apologies.
Chico has said that Emanuel absolutely must send his kids to public school. That makes Chico more out of touch with the parents of Chicago than Emanuel.
* Related…
* Gay leader backs Chico: Rick Garcia, who is gay and Catholic, fought to legalize civil unions in Illinois and helped shepherd the bill through the General Assembly last week. He is executive director of Equality Illinois. “As mayor, Gery Chico will be a mayor for all people,” said Garcia. “He is the right man at the right time to lead this city.”
* Lawyer Targets Emanuel’s Family Plans: Burton Odelson, the election lawyer who alleges that Emanuel does not meet residency requirements to run in the Feb. 22 election, is hoping to question Emanuel’s wife Amy Rule and also wants to subpoena Langdon Neal, the chairman of the city’s Board of Election Commissioners.
* Some petition collectors struggle for pay
* From Ministerial Activist to Mayoral Candidate
* Another shot fired in the ‘dibs‘ wars
* Wal-Mart finds site for first North Side store: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has found a site for its first small-box store in Chicago, with a deal to lease about 30,000 square feet in a three-level retail center in the Lakeview neighborhood, according to real estate sources.
* Last Cabrini-Green residents pack up, move out
* Former Ald. Robert Shaw axed as Dolton inspector general
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 11:49 am
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A slam against the NRA right out of the box doesn’t seem wise in an endorsement statement. Why hit the hornets nest with a stick?
Rahm appears to be capable and able to handle the daunting task at hand.
Comment by Justice Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:07 pm
Guns don’t kill people… The Comptroller not paying social service providers kills people.
Just sayin’
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:13 pm
Nice pickup for Emanuel. I hope Hynes’ stays active in politics. Through no fault of his own, the timing just wasn’t right for him. He ran into the Obama phenomenon, then Quinn got the advantages of incumbency with the Blago removal.
I wouldn’t worry about “swatting” the NRA in a Chicago mayor’s race. If anything, it’s a smart fight to pick.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:19 pm
Rahm has a plan to stabilize our city’s finances?
I can’t wait to see it.
Good endorsement for Rahm, as far as endorsements go.
However, it just reminds me that I wish Hynes’ name was on the ballot instead.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:21 pm
Yes, Mr. Chico, I would send my kids to Chicago public schools if they would be going to Northside College Prep, too.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:24 pm
===A slam against the NRA right out of the box doesn’t seem wise in an endorsement statement. ===
Yeah, because the NRA is SUCH a major force in the city. Right.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:24 pm
What is that rumbling noise?
Must be the beginnings of a groundswell for Rahm with his first endorsement by influential pols /wannabes in his administration.
IMO and now Comptroller Hynes’,
the most capable man for the job…
Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:33 pm
For this suburbanite, Mosley-Braun makes the most sense. After 4 years of her, Peter Fitzgerald could be elected mayor. Just sayin’.
Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:39 pm
A floating casino in Lake Calumet would be perfect!
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 12:47 pm
Hynes for Mayor E.’s Budget Director. Or Chief of Staff.
Comment by B-non Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:03 pm
If Rahm has the strength to see reform through, why are DC law firms being pressed hard for contributions? And more important, why are they acceding? What would they gain from ‘reform’?
Rahm’s not going to try to change a thing in this city.
Comment by irv & ashland Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:05 pm
I find the subpoena of Langdon Neal most interesting.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:14 pm
Chico doesn’t get the idea of having the casino in the central business district. I don’t think conventioners and tourist will go out to a random part of the city just to go to a casino. Plus a developer will look for a large space to build an fully intergrated casino (restaurant and hotel included), thus killing the potential growth around the casino. Look at all the boats in Illinois and Indiana. Why would you leave the casino?
He also made a great point at his press confence yesterday that the government should own the casino, I paraphrase “we don’t want what happened to the state lottery with the money going to other programs instead of education as intended.” I believe the State of Illinois is a government. Of sorts.
Comment by CLJ Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:24 pm
–I don’t think conventioners and tourist will go out to a random part of the city just to go to a casino.–
They go to the strip clubs.
–Plus a developer will look for a large space to build an fully intergrated casino (restaurant and hotel included)….,–
You say that like it’s a negative thing.
– thus killing the potential growth around the casino.–
Why? Investment breeds more investment — restaurants, shops, bars, etc. You think bailing out the debtholders on Block 37 is going to spur more investment?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:29 pm
Hynes is about to apply for unemployment and is obviously attempting to find a parachute in the plane that’s nearly out of fuel. If Rahm does toss Danny a chute I hope it’s one that actually requires him to report to an offi every day.
Comment by Hawkeye Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:30 pm
Hawkeye, Hynes is an attorney with plenty of connections. I don’t think he’s worried about putting food on the table.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:32 pm
Amazing things happen in Chicago: Dan Hynes endorses Rahm…Dan’s brother Matt finds his way onto the Rahmn payroll! Chicago works.
Comment by Tom Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:35 pm
Agreed. Rich - but I am guessing Danny would prefer something in public sector where he can rely on staff to do the heavy lifting while keeping his name in the papers to set up his next run.
Comment by Hawkeye Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:39 pm
–But where? Surely not in a neighborhood.–
Lakeside Centre has to come down. It’s obsolete as a show venue and a drag on the McCormick Place complex. There’s real estate west of Mac Place that could stand some redevelopment, too.
Now that Michael Reese won’t be the Olympic Village, what’s going up there? Condos? Not for quite some time in this market.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:43 pm
There’s an opening in Lincoln Park at the site of the Children’s Hospital…I’d put it there.
Close to the actual Lincoln Park, which gets 20 million visitors a year, and an easy hike from Wrigley Field.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:51 pm
–There’s an opening in Lincoln Park at the site of the Children’s Hospital…I’d put it there.–
LOL!
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:55 pm
Maybe the Ricketts could work a casino into their plans. The fans are already used to losing, and they still come back for more.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:56 pm
1) It’s interesting to see the continuation of the historic divisions in what remains of the Southside Irish community being played out in Dan Hynes’ support of Emanuel vs. Ed Burke’s support for Chico.
2) People who argue about all the business growth that gets spurred by casinos likely have never been to any of the local areas that have them or think “things will be different in the city.”
Casinos are very insular businesses. It’s not in their interest for growth to occur off/outside their properties. That’s why they attach their hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities to the casino. That way you never step foot out the door!
Local casinos may generate cash but they do not growth.
Comment by QRBNST Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:57 pm
Of course he did, his brother Matt got a big job with Rahm’s campaign weeks ago.
Comment by Jim Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 1:58 pm
Great endorsement for Rahm…he would be wise to put Hynes on his transition team to help him hit the ground running on finances and ease the tension with labor. Hawkeye, you’d have a better chance seeing Hynes working at the Rathskeller than working at City Hall…nice try.
Comment by Your what hurts? Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 2:01 pm
My understanding is that the folks who throw the conventions and trade shows at Mac place would just as soon not have the competition that a nearby casino would offer. Apparently, trade shows in Vegas suffer from the fact that a lot of folks would rather go see a show than say take a look at what Amalgamated Industries new Radiography equipment can do for their business.
I guess it’s why they had the Bosnian peace talks in Dayton, Ohio. What else were the delegates to do other than talk.
Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 2:19 pm
–My understanding is that the folks who throw the conventions and trade shows at Mac place would just as soon not have the competition that a nearby casino would offer–
Depends on the show and the mindset of the organizers. Consumer shows, like COMDEX, make their money with volume, volume, volume of attendees. They go to Vegas to attract the maximum attendees with casinos, golf and nightlife.
A professional and educational show, like RSNA, the radiologists, want to keep folks in the meetings and on the floor where the business is done.
They’re the highest paid medical professionals in the world and they book Mac Place every year the week after Thanksgiving — lousy weather, captive audience, great shopping and restaurants.
Educational shows, l
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 2:31 pm
On the mayoral candidate- public school bit: It’s interesting that Mr. Chico takes the position he does. I’m sure his intentions are noble- but you really have to wonder. His talking points about challenging the CTU go something like… ‘I have a track record of working with all sides’ during my time with CPS.
Biggest problem is that in this environment- The City needs someone who will challenge the current system. Playing ‘get along’ with the unions just extends the status quo.
I forget which radio talk show put it best when they asked Chico if he would bring a Michelle Rhee type of CPS sup to Chicago- his response was something to the effect of not needing to go to that extreme. Interesting. I guess challenging the unions might be considered ‘extreme’ but how else will you hold them accountable?
So far it seems like a no win for Chi-town.
Comment by Statesman Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 2:54 pm
>Local casinos may generate cash but they do not growth.
I’m fresh from a trip to Michigan City, and it certainly provides some evidence for your point.
Comment by irv & ashland Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 3:04 pm
The subpoena of Neal suggests Odelsen doesn’t think he can win. Neal can only speak to the voter registration issue, but the voter registration issue is irrelevant. Odelson can only litigate this based on qualifications for running for office. If he’s subpoenaing Neal, it means he’s grandstanding.
I think they misgauge the issue. Voters aren’t going to buy the idea Rahm isn’t a Chicagoan, so unless they can win the case, they ought to drop it. There are other grounds they should be attacking on. “He’s an investment banker who has done what he could to help investment bankers,” is much more effective than “he’s not a Chicagoan.”
Comment by irv & ashland Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 3:09 pm
@irving & ashland -
I agree the residency is not a winning campaign message, but it could be a winning legal strategy.
The Neal subpoena is relevant since Rahm’s hung his hat on the fact that he voted, even though it turns out that his voter registration may have been fixed.
And I do agree that the investment banker line is a strong attack — although I would highlight the millions he made on Wall Street and Freddie Mac, along side his track record as the #1 Wall Street Fundraiser in Congress who supported the Wall Street bailout.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 3:35 pm
anon said: “It should be no surprise that Dan Hynes would endorse the only white candidate in the race.”
I guess it all depends on how one chooses to define “white”.
For starters, I would think it’s fair to say that there is a consensus that “white” typically refers to European-Americans. Emanuel is the son of Israeli immigrants (i.e. non-Europeans).
Gery Chico on the other hand is half Lithuanian-American & Mexican-American, which in some peoples’ eyes would make him 50% “whiter” than Emanuel.
I know it sounds convoluted, but that’s really the point. The election who is the most ethnic candidate, it’s about who is most capable to do the job.
And, all other consideratinos being equal, I’m sure Hynes is supporting the person he thinks fits that category.
Comment by QRBNST Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 4:22 pm
I am surprised about the endorsement. Everytime I hear the Hynes name I keep thinking of Burr Oak Cemetery. Not sure if Rahm is aware of how sensitive this is in the Black Community. It’s THE reason I voted for Quinn in the Primary!
Comment by anon Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 4:31 pm
–Everytime I hear the Hynes name I keep thinking of Burr Oak Cemetery.–
Perhaps the most ridiculous Chicago TV news freak show of recent years. The bigfoot brought in from the Diocese cemetery said it was pretty common practice, back in the day, to stack ‘em up, rack ‘em up, remove them in view.
How was it supposed to go? Dan Hynes (or Dawn Netsch), accountant and check-cutter by day, grave-robber detective by night? Like Scooby-Doo in the Mystery Machine?
The whole thing was Dart’s show. I imagine it’s a pretty sore subject at the Cork & Kerry some nights among the clans.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 6:03 pm
come on people, let’s get to what is truly important….yuppies trying to stop Dibs! it is downright unChicago of whoever to put on a marketing effort about this great Chicago tradition. besides, if you have enough time, money, and angst about a cause….why not fight, oh, one of a dozen important things like crime, poverty, pollution, traffic, you know, things that actually affect the quality of life. or, better still, use your skills to organize shovel patrols of neighbors, kind of like instead of mapping crimes you map who is willing to shovel out thus moving to inspire others to do the same. here come the plastic seats attached to metal….ah, the vision of childhood.
Comment by amalia Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 6:24 pm
I think Rahm should agree to attend as many debates as Mayor Daley did. Over his entire career, I think Daley only participated in one televised debate, and that was in 1983.
And Rahm surely is a better debator than Daley. Every candidate in this race is a better debator than Daley. Most people in the city are better debators than Daley.
If participating in debates is the threshold for being elected mayor, we’d still have Meigs Field, it would cost a quarter to park for an hour in my neighborhood and Millenium Park would still be an eyesore. But yeah, Rahm not debating is today’s new outrage.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 7:16 pm
–And Rahm surely is a better debator than Daley.–
There’s a Mel Brook’s line in there about what a master he is at it, but I don’t roll that way.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 8:27 pm
–I’d give anything to see a head-to-head between Chris Christie and Rahm Emanuel.–
Somebody’s got a NJ Gov. crush;
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 8:29 pm
Rahm is only a hypocrite for sending his kids to a private school if he does not support educational choice.
Rahm has the ability because he has more money and money should not be the only reason a deserving child can go to a private school. It is like a public scholarship program that flows to the individual through their parents and not to a school system.
Other parents and kids should have the choice that Rahm does.
Comment by Steve Pampagana Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 9:15 pm
It is ironic that Rahm is complaining about challenges and crying foul but hired Mike Kasper the king of frivolous (and legitimate) challenges.
Mike Kasper is a hit man and anti-ballot access. Rahm should of got Rich Means or someone else that is more favorable to ballot access.
Comment by Steve Pampagana Thursday, Dec 9, 10 @ 9:20 pm
- It is ironic that Rahm is complaining about challenges and crying foul but hired Mike Kasper the king of frivolous (and legitimate) challenges. -
It would only be ironic if Rahm hired him to challenge someone else. I don’t believe that’s part of the plan.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, Dec 10, 10 @ 8:48 am