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More on the David Hoffman bid

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Illinois

* Many of us had heard this about former Chicago Inspector General, and now US Senate candidate, David Hoffman for the last few months…

Sources said Hoffman had considered a run for Illinois attorney general, but dropped those plans after powerful incumbent Lisa Madigan announced that she would seek another term in that post.

It’s doubtful that any of his opponents will bring it up, but one can’t help but wonder if Hoffman went out of his office’s normal jurisdiction to blast the mayor’s parking meter deal for political ends.

He has receceived almost universally positive media coverage in Chicago, but this is from a June Tribune story, after Hoffman announced his probe of the parking meter deal…

Hoffman, once a press aide to U.S. Sen. David Boren (D-Okla.), has shown himself to be unafraid of the limelight. He has focused more on public relations than his predecessor. […]

He increased his profile further with appearances in Springfield as a member of Gov. Pat Quinn’s reform commission.

“He must have triple-shot espresso in his veins,” said state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).Hoffman always was more willing than other prosecutors to place himself in the public eye, say former colleagues.

“David was not only excellent—he had a good sense that he was excellent,” said Ron Safer, another ex-prosecutor. “He never doubted his ability to effect change, even though he was trying to slay some dragons.”

Back to the politics of today. From the Sun-Times…

Chicago’s Democratic Ward committeemen, whose patronage workers Hoffman has investigated, are not likely to flock to his candidacy.

Voters most energized about corruption in local government may be voting in the Republican, as opposed to the Democratic primary.

That first graf is true, of course. But it isn’t easy for precinct captains to influence votes in US Senate races. Voters like to think they’re making up their own minds in campaigns like that.

I’m not so sure about that second graf. What do you think?

* Meanwhile…

A lawyer from Northbrook is considering entering a race that one of his Republican counterparts says is “unwinnable.”

Steve Kim, 38, said Tuesday he is making plans to take on two-term Attorney General Lisa Madigan in the 2010 election.

Kim, a Korean-American who has served as a Northfield Township trustee, is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming days.

“I’m seriously considering it,” said Kim. “I’m still talking to people about it.”

Good luck with that.

* Related…

* Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar says his lavish spending from campaign fund isn’t ‘pay to play’ politics: He is the boss of Bolingbrook, Roger Claar, who has brought a big-city style of money, power and influence to serving as mayor of a mid-size suburb. The high life is not funded by Claar’s $129,000 salary. Instead, the money comes from his campaign — flush with cash from donors, many of whom have gotten millions in village contracts… Nearly half of his donations came from companies and individuals who have done business with Bolingbrook. Those contributors received more than $300 million in village work — nearly 60 percent of the money that Bolingbrook spent on vendors over the last decade, the Tribune analysis shows.

* Elgin resident Mark Vargas is running for the Republican nomination for the 14th Congressional seat held by Democrat Bill Foster of Batavia.

* Senger surprised by challenge from Dist. 204 school board member

* Dist. 204 board members cast cautious eye at DeSart House run

* Quinn, Hynes headliners at labor breakfast

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:03 am

Comments

I a voting for Steve Kim. I think it is very courageous of him to step up and take her on. And I like the fact that the Republicans are showing some signs of diversity and new faces through their candidates.

I lost respect for Lisa madigan when she decided not to run and cited her “children” and the fact that being governor now and for the next several years will be “too hard” as her reasons for not seeking the governor’s office.

Funny how AG did mean asipiring governor while blago was in office and that her even younger children and more needy of her attention, while blago was in office, and the hardness of the job did not matter to her before.

Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:19 am
A politician who likes cameras. I am shocked.

Comment by Shore Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:20 am
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Voters most energized about corruption in local government may be voting in the Republican, as opposed to the Democratic primary.
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This statement seems dubious without data backing it.

I think that Black, Latino and recent immigrant voters are pretty much voting in the Democratic primary b/c they are mostly Democrats. This quote seems to imply that Black, Latino and recent immigrant voters don’t get energized about corruption.

Even for White voters who are not connected to recent immigrants and don’t hold strong part loyalties, it makes more sense to vote in Dem primaries in Chicago, because that’s where the meaningful races are.

Committeeman? State legislator? MWRD? County board?

95+% of the GOP ballot is a waste of time in Chicago. The offices are blank or uncontested. And even if somebody is running he will get crushed in the general election.

So, unless there’s some polling to support the statement, it seems to be a combination of making racist assumptions about Black and Latino voters and ignorant assumptions about everyone.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:22 am
This idea that primary voters will cross over seems to come up every year and never materialize. (see Wood, Corrine)

Comment by Scooby Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:31 am
I heard that Hoffman had personal money for the race, but haven’t heard about it in the media. Anyone know how he plans on financing his bid?

Comment by jacketpotato Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:32 am
Unless his parents are loaded, which given the new trier background is a great possibility, I don’t see how a guy who has been in public law for 15 years could self-fund.

Comment by Shore Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:37 am
Carl @10:22:

I don’t think it’s racist assumptions as much as some ignorant editor who either doesn’t know squat about Chicago politics, or is trying desperately to inject “objective” speculation into a story that doesn’t need it.

Abdon Pallasch and Lynn Sweet surely know better than to write: “Voters most energized about corruption in local government may be voting in the Republican, as opposed to the Democratic primary.”

In Chicago? In what reality?

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:38 am
scooby,

blago’s fall and trial may suggest that there is a ring of truth about voter cross-over. will it be seen in the city much? probably not. In suburban areas surrounding the city? probably yes.

if the republican is more moderate the more likely you are too see crossover from white suburban democrats.

I agree that numbers to back up what was written in the sun-times would have been helpful, but does it take rocket science to see that people are not entirely happy with one-party rule?

Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:39 am
The second paragraph is just a guess. The “may” be voting ought to give it away.

When I first heard about Hoffman running I actually thought he might be running in the GOP Primary. Running the Dem Primary is going to make things difficult for him with Alexi out early securing Democratic support all across the state.

Securing AKPD should put Hoffman in the media’s crosshairs. The questions asked yesterday in the Hoffman posts should demonstrate the astute observer of politics reaction to that nugget. Multiply that by the White House nudging Lisa Madigan to run, where David Axelrod is the President’s chief political strategist, and you’ve got quite a story.

Comment by Brennan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:43 am
Northsider,

the problem with Chicago is that the races typically come down to a “lesser of two evil” vote. for example mayor daley keeps getting re-elected not because people truly like him, but because his opponents are less than stellar and are not attractive contenders. Also, Mayor daley relies heavily on illegal voters, in his sanctuary city, and a system rigged in his favor.

I’ve known people who have lived in Chicago for decades, and they have never voted for Richard M. Daley. They’ve left the choice for Mayor blank. Yes, I know that this is only anectdotal, but…

Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:50 am
Hey rich- outside his jurisdiction? Please:

Muni Code 2-56-030 IG Powers and Duties
b) to investigate the performance of governmental officers, employees, functions and programs, either in response to complaint or on the IG own initiative, in order to detect and prevent misconduct, inefficiency and waste within the program s and operations of city government;

c) to promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness and integrity in the administration of the programs an operations of the city government by reviewing programs, identifying any inefficiencies, waste and potential for misconduct therein, and recommending to the mayor and the city council policies and methods for the elimination of inefficiencies and waste, and prevention of misconduct

Comment by Patriot Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:51 am
I’m a bit confused as to why Hoffman decided on a statewide bid, given his low name recognition, particularly outside of the city proper.

Recognizing he’s ambitious and pining for a bigger stage, I would’ve thought that a more local position would be more attainable. Alderman seems like low hanging fruit for him, but perhaps mayor, especially if the city fails in the Olympic bid, would have been reasonable, with the incumbent weakened by the parking meter fiasco, a cavernous hold in the budget, and countless investigations in his administration.

Comment by The Doc Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:51 am
===Also, Mayor daley relies heavily on illegal voters, in his sanctuary city, and a system rigged in his favor.===

Wow. Really? That’s one of the most ridiculous assertions I’ve ever read here WCW.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:59 am
WCW, you’ve finally jumped the shark.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:02 am
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Running the Dem Primary is going to make things difficult for him with Alexi out early securing Democratic support all across the state.
===========

I agree, and Rugby will appeal to his base about as much as Polo would.

I’m interpreting the Mayor’s statement to go out to talk to the public as a challenge, not advice. The Mayor seems to know Voters pretty well.

Perhaps Hoffman is, in fact, a “one-trick” pony as someone had speculated earlier. I’d guess that if Daley had ever considered Hoffman even a minor threat (i.e., along the lines of some of the speculation that if Hoffman loses the Senate race, he’ll have another chance at becoming Mayor himself), I would have thought that an Appointment would have been in the works–pronto, instead.

While I’m sure Hoffman’s up for the battle, looks as if he may be going in very much alone.

And…if his fallback strategy is to run for Mayor if he loses specifically THIS Senate Seat for the Democrats, all the personal wealth in the world (assuming it’s there) probably won’t help.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:25 am
I’m starting to suspect that they’re feeding him to the wolves, very confident that his message of “independence” and “reform” isn’t going to help him.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:33 am
===I’m interpreting the Mayor’s statement to go out to talk to the public as a challenge, not advice. ===

That’s his standard response.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:34 am
–Voters most energized about corruption in local government may be voting in the Republican, as opposed to the Democratic primary–

I doubt it. If by local the Sun-Times means Chicago and Cook County, my instincts are that such voters are itching to vote against Todd in the Dem primary.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:40 am
WCW,

Prove your assertions, and please address my point.

The 1983 election was the only time the Republicans came close to the Fifth Floor, and that was due only to rampaging racism. The GOP is non-existent in the city as a political entity or force.

They’re irrelevant, as any good reporter or editor in this town knows. Which still is the point of my first reply.

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:43 am
Simply my interpretation of the standard within the current context. Nothing more.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:49 am
“WCW, you’ve finally jumped the shark.’—rich miller

geeze…was it something i wrote?????

“Wow. Really? That’s one of the most ridiculous assertions I’ve ever read here WCW.”

coming from the 47th ward, i guess i’m not surprised by your opinion.

oh, and fox chicago did a story last year about illegals voting, it was reported by Jeff Goldblatt. voter fraud didn’t die with Richard J. Daley. the chicago way of winning elections IS STILL alie and well. despite the 1972 shakman decree hiring patronage STILL exists, doesn’t it?

Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:54 am
“Voters most energized about corruption in local government may be voting in the Republican, as opposed to the Democratic primary.”

If you read this paragraph correctly, it couldn’t be wrong. Yes, voters who are most energized by corruption may be voting in the GOP primary. Or they may not be.

David Hoffman appears to be an attractive candidate, but also too-good-to-be-true. I need to be convinced that he is more than veneer. We have enough veneer US leaders in power to add any more to the list.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 11:57 am
===the chicago way of winning elections IS STILL alie===

Freudian slip WCW?

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:04 pm
The 1983 election was the only time the Republicans came close to the Fifth Floor, and that was due only to rampaging racism. The GOP is non-existent in the city as a political entity or force.

They’re irrelevant, as any good reporter or editor in this town knows. Which still is the point of my first reply.

Try to use your own good advice…Prove your assertions

Will County Woman has posted some unprovable statements, and as has you.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:06 pm
I think Hoffman could be a strong candidate. Sure Alexi has lined up lots of organization support, but top of the ticket races aren’t as dependent on organizations as others. If Hoffman can raise money, he’ll make a race of this.

I thought Daley’s comments about other candidates still looking at the race were interesting. Maybe he meant Dart. Maybe someone else ?

Comment by siriusly Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:10 pm
Are we going to seriously debate whether the GOP is relevant in Cook County or Chicago? Come on… I would rather debate whether the moon landing was faked.

Comment by nice kid Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:13 pm
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I need to be convinced that he is more than veneer.
===========

Ya. Plus, coming out as a “Proft” and being able to tone it down when necessary is a gift.

Going the other way, could be risky–depending on one’s temperament. But, I can understand the “soft eyes” appeal, considering the competition in the Primary.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:17 pm
Smart kid, Kid!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:24 pm
VM,

I should have said the ‘83 election was the only time the GOP came close since either Big Bill Thompson was mayor (1915-1923, and 1927-1931), or Benjamin Adamowski scared Richard J. Daley in 1963.

So there hasn’t been a Republican mayor of Chicago for 78 years, and the GOP has come close only twice since then — 46 years ago and 26 years ago. Irrelevant? I report, you decide.

And are you seriously asserting that Bernard Epton would have been anything but a footnote had Harold Washington been anything but black?

Nice Kid is right: The GOP has some relevance in suburban Cook County, but none in Chicago.

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:32 pm
Thank you my 47th Ward democratic machine(?) friend,

indeed, please let me clarify that the sentence should have been the following:

voter fraud is SILL alive and well.

Re: *47th ward democratic machibe*

you know I kid you on that, right?

Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:36 pm
WCW, the Bush administration was dying to nail some Democrat, any Democrat, for vote fraud. The Bush administration would have loved to prove widespread voting by non-citizens in a Dem stronghold. This would have allowed the GOP to create all sorts of hurdles to voting that would make it harder for people at the margins of society–people who mostly vote D–to vote.

Eight years of looking for vote fraud and the Bush Justice Department found little it could take to court.

Fox News can manipulate fools and chumps who know in their gut that non-Whites are having it too good in America. That’s the core mission of Fox News.

If you fell for some misleading report on Fox News that says more about you than how elections are conducted in Chicago.

Daley is consistently re-elected by large margins. He doesn’t need to cheat to win. Cheating only matters in close elections, like Florida 2000.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:37 pm
WCW, there is no weakness in a woman considering her family’s needs.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:46 pm
============
He doesn’t need to cheat to win.
============

I’d tend to believe that someone in, specifically, Daley’s position is well beyond having to resort to such tactics.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 12:59 pm
Axelrod et al is great at spending money but not so good at raising it. Let’s see if Hoffmann can raise any money quickly without Obama taking sides in this primary. AKP can’t operate without a large bankroll.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:05 pm
CN,

Leave it to you to bring up the Bush administration and Fox News when we are talking local issues.

Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:05 pm
WCW: “Heavily” was the wrong word for Chicago. But you are getting some other readers to trip over themselves in responding to something rather simple to refute.

This is probably the Goldblatt report you mentioned.
http://is.gd/2Ciig

Comment by Brennan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:07 pm
dupage dan: WCW brought of Jeff Goldblatt. His report was a local WFLD story that was broadcast on the Fox News Channel.

Comment by Brennan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:08 pm
Back to the topic at hand, please.

Final warning. Deletions are next.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:10 pm
And are you seriously asserting that Bernard Epton would have been anything but a footnote had Harold Washington been anything but black?

No - I am countering your claim that anyone who didn’t support Washington was a racist. That is an offensive impossibility. It is always wrong to claim that those whose voted different from you, did so because they are immoral, inferior, unintelligent, insincere, wreckless, stupid, backwards, hate-filled, frightened, moronic, or somehow beneath you. If someone doesn’t support a particular candidate you favor, you should recognized the failure of your candidate to address the concerns they held in a way to win them over, not attack them as sub-human.

I am countering your claim that in order to be a good reporter or editor in Chicago, you have to claim that one of our two political parties is irrelevant. You can be a good reporter and believe otherwise. Your opinion doesn’t refute reality.

I am countering your claim that the GOP is non-existent as a political entity. Google it. You will find an address, phone numbers, and websites to this “non-existent political entity”.

I am countering your overly emotional and half-baked prejudices against those who hold differing political views than you.

Your advice to WCW seemed to only apply to her, but not to yourself. It is good advice. You should try it too.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 1:10 pm
Northsider, Hoffman paid over $1 million for his near northwest side mansion 7 years ago… the $ is coming from somewhere.

Comment by TTL, III Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 2:18 pm
I agree with siriusly. Daley repeatedly mentioned other candidates getting into the race during his press conference yesterday. Maybe there’s something to the Tom Dart talk or Stephanie Neeley rumors.

Comment by FDR Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 2:37 pm
Washinton’s terms as mayor were a disaster. People who voted for Epton, whatever their reasons, turned out to be right.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 2:42 pm
Oops, my comment was actually meant for Shore, not Northsider.

Comment by TTL, III Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 2:56 pm
TTL, III: The money’s coming from a mortgage. At least according to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 3:23 pm
This is Thom Serafin providing analysis that I haven’t heard yet.

http://serafinpr.blogspot.com/2009/08/he-became-wonderful-legislator.html

Serafin says in this clip that Daley’s organization and Obama’s organization are both behind Hoffman. He also describes Hoffman as the “Stop Alexi movement”.

Comment by Brennan Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 4:29 pm
Will County Woman,

Are you a closet racist regarding the undocumented voting for Daley or are you basing it on prosecutions of actual voter fraud committed by undocumented people?

Daley wins by turning people off from voting and turning out a slim minority of people to vote. The Machine and the State leaders always help out by scheduling primaries in the late winter, when the temperature is not very warm. That is how people like Daley or others win. You don’t turn out the voter, you lower voter turnout.

Comment by Chris Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 4:49 pm
Many thanks for the links (again), Brennan!

I stand corrected. Hoffman obviously has his Party’s support.

Welcome to the Race, Mr. Hoffman and Staff. I’m sure your addition is going to elevate this to the type of election that the Voters in our State sorely need and deserve!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 5:43 pm
Giving this much attention to a guy that won’t get five percent of the vote is kinda reediculous!

What is it with Miller that he tends to fawn over anyone he doesn’t know well?

Comment by Meterman Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 8:48 pm
WCW,

Just because someone lives in the city (47th Ward in this case), doesn’t make them a machine hack. I happen to know 47th Ward and you’re way off base. You confuse analysis with propaganda. Given some of your wild assertions, I understand the confusion.

Daley is elected and re-elected because he has co-opted enough of his opposition to make running against him a pretty fruitless exercise. Aside from everything else, the man appointed well over 1/2 the City Council! I’m one of those people who has lived in the City for decades and, other than when he ran against Roland Burris, I don’t think I’ve ever voted for the man.

It’s not about illegals, he’s just a damned smart politician (I say with absolutely no pleasure).

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 8:51 pm
Meterman,

I agree the jury is out on how good a politician he’ll be, but he clearly is going to get more than 5%. There’s a whole crowd of Dems (led by the prez) that are convinced Alexi can’t beat Mark Kirk. This is clearly an ABA movement (anyone but alexi).

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 8:53 pm
===========
What is it with Miller that he tends to fawn over anyone he doesn’t know well?
===========

My darling, darling, Meterman: If people refused to fawn over others they didn’t know well every once in a while, how would politicians ever get elected to office? lol

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:21 pm
(end of fawning over Meterman)

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:28 pm
Brennan, thanks for the Serafin analysis. I think it’s spot on. And before it’s all over, you can bet MJM will be part of that crew as well. The White Knight Outsider is the establishment candidate. Think Paul Douglas and Adlai Stevenson in 1948.

This Daley/illegal voter talk is beyond weird, it’s absolutely loony. Have any of you checked the numbers Daley has piled up in his victories, and where they came from?

As far as the 1983 mayoral goes, that’s not ancient history and the facts are not in dispute. Check the ward totals, and the newspaper accounts of the campaign. It was racial and it was raw, on both sides. If you don’t think so, you just weren’t there or haven’t bothered to learn about it.

Harold picked off enough of the lakefront and the nascent Puerto Rican and Mexican American vote to win. A wild, anxious time in the city

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 27, 09 @ 10:40 pm