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The prodding may have worked

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Illinois

One Wednesday, Mayor Daley had this to say.

Mayor Daley said Wednesday it’s time for the family of County Board President John Stroger to be more forthcoming about Stroger’s recovery from the pre-election stroke he suffered nearly three months ago. […]

Daley, a lifelong friend who is Stroger’s most powerful supporter, said, “I know the family has gone through a period of time. He came from the hospital. He’s home now. There’s a period of adjustment. I think the family will speak out very shortly about his condition — rightfully so. . . . It’s a very serious issue and I think the family will speak out very shortly.”

Pressed on whether voters who must make up their minds in November are entitled to know more than the Stroger family is telling, Daley said, “Take it easy. I think the family will respond very appropriately in a short time.”

Late yesterday, Todd Stroger sounded like he was ready to comply.

It’s been more than two months since he’s attended a county board meeting or been seen in public. On Thursday night, for the first time, Todd Stroger told CBS 2’s Jay Levine we might see him soon.

“Yes. I’m thinking about it and I’m gonna talk to the rest of the family and the doctors and we’ll see what happens in the near future,” Todd Stroger said.

And Fran Spielman lays out the field:

County Commissioner Bobbie Steele, U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Todd Stroger all have expressed interest in the job if John Stroger is unable to remain on the November ballot.

But, Aldermen Pat O’Connor (40th), Daley’s unofficial City Council floor leader, and Ed Smith (28th), chairman of the City Council’s Black Caucus, said it was clear to them that none of those three could win a majority of the weighted votes cast by the Democratic Party’s 80 ward and township committeemen.

Three names were prominently mentioned as compromise candidates: Chicago Housing Authority President Terry Peterson, Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott and Ald. William Beavers (7th).

On Wednesday, Peterson took himself out of the running.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 2:23 am

Comments

Does GOP Candidate AnthonyPeraica have a chance to win in November? Will the white lakefront liberals who voted for Claypool support the Dem candidate, esp. if he/she is a Stroger ally?

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 8:34 am
This is getting so silly, I mean silly, just silly, silly, silly. It’s silly.

Comment by Wile Coyote Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 9:00 am
My vote goes to the fun lovin’ Assessor from Cook, everybody’s friend, and mine
Mr. Jim Houlihan!

Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 9:10 am
My vote goes to Forrest…he got a RAW deal…and so did the voters of Cook.

Comment by Poolclay Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 9:34 am
Jim needs to get out from under the cumulative effects of any lapse in the 7% Solution., so Board President is a good place.

How about Dick Mell? He is one of the few that has run a large business.

Comment by Truthful James Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 10:01 am
Isn’t it a bit patronizing that the new nomination is “reserved” for a Black, and Whites need not apply?

Isn’t it sad that Black politicians don’t have any problem with that at all?

Isn’t is sadder that the same politicians who scream “Racism!” all the time are now climbing over each other to the front of the line for this plum, awarded on a strictly racial criterion?

What an interesting city.

Comment by Bubs Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 11:06 am
Claypool is legally barred from being named to replace Stroger on the ballot, unfortunately. No defeated primary candidate may be named as a ballot replacement, according to state law. Ex-candidate Quigley is a (very very very remote) possibility, but Claypool is totally out of the running.

Comment by anonymous Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 1:57 pm
God help us if its Michael Scott

Comment by oh no Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 2:38 pm
Dick Mell would be a good choice. Peraica can beat John or Todd Stroger otherwise any Dem can win, Peraica is right on this one. It is absurd to have someone on the ballot who cannot serve out the term.

Comment by Anon Friday, Jun 2, 06 @ 6:07 pm
“The Chairman has a cold.” Where have I heard that before?

Comment by NoGiftsPlease Saturday, Jun 3, 06 @ 8:34 am