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* I met Lance Tyson when he was working the Statehouse for city hall. He was a solid worker and respected in the building. He agreed to go to work for Todd Stroger to help settle things down over there and right the ship, but Stroger was not exactly the greatest boss in the world. Tyson did the right thing as a citizen, but he’s definitely tainted, even though his opponent probably won’t have the resources to exploit the problem…
A lawyer and aide to former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has been chosen by Chicago Democrats as a third-party candidate to challenge indicted state Rep. Derrick Smith.
The group led by Secretary of State Jesse White met Wednesday. They’ve been vetting candidates for the newly formed 10th District Unity Party.
* Ald. Jason Ervin was quite petulant after the ward committeemen chose Tyson…
Committeemen chose Tyson after two rounds of voting Wednesday. The panel split 5-4 in favor of Tyson, with the rest of the support falling to Winters.
Conyears had been considered the front-runner the day before, but her support dropped after committeemen were told she was the girlfriend of 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, who sits on the panel. Committeemen said that although Conyears was qualified, they were concerned about transparency because the relationship was not disclosed before they began private deliberations.
On Wednesday, Conyears implored the panel “to not allow outside forces” to affect the decision, saying she should be judged on her merits and “not such a simple label.”
Ervin said Wednesday that Conyears was not given a fair shake, arguing that their relationship was well-known.
“If her only crime is by association with the alderman that had the most votes in any contested race in the city of Chicago, then that’s unfortunate,” said Ervin, who added that “there need to be some discussions” before he decides whether to back Tyson.
Whatever.
A Chicago alderman tried to put his girlfriend into the Illinois House. There are worse crimes, but that was a supremely stupid move in the wake of the Derrick Smith fiasco. He should’ve known better than that.
* More…
Tyson said he’d already secured support from unions to run in the district on Chicago’s West Side.
“I’m incredibly humbled to have gotten an opportunity to present my ideas on the free market.” he said. “It’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
As a third-party candidate, he will have to get 1,500 signatures to put his name on the ballot. Tyson said he is aiming for 4,000.
Backing Tyson was the smart move. Eddie Winters has run before, so he has experience, but he came up way short, getting less than 12 percent of the vote in the 2010 primary.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 9:42 am
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An alderman can’t land a ballot spot for his girlfriend, a congressmans’s former chief of staff can’ land an appointment to his ballot vacancy?
What is this, Vermont?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 10:07 am
In all fairness to Mr. Tyson, I don’t necessarily hold his work for Todd Stroger against him. A job is a job. Everything I’ve read about Todd Stroger isn’t very pretty and he seemed to be very tough on his immediate staff and even on lifers. Though some may think Mr. Tyson could’ve impacted President Stroger’s temper and actions, it’s not always as easy as people assume. Elected officials - especially legacies - sometimes don’t want to listen. And unless Todd Stroger ordered his immediate top staff to commit local, state or federal crimes - i.e. Ryan & Blago - then Mr. Tyson merely has the baggage of working for a crummy boss and bad public servant.
Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 10:28 am
Whaaaaaa… my girlfriend didn’t get the appointment.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 10:34 am
whether one thinks good or ill of Tyson, the Stroger bit is longer term than the recent job.
Comment by amalia Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 11:52 am
Rich is dead on about Tyson. I worked in Cook County govt during the dawn of the Todd years. Lance was one of the few pros in a sea of hacks. That’s probably why he got outta there after less than two years.
Comment by Phil Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 11:54 am
Ervin’s comments are unbecoming. Sounds like you’re a lucky man. Don’t ruin it by turning your girlfriend in to a political pawn. It ain’t an “association.”
And, pray tell, what exactly is your alternative to supporting Tyson? Derrick Smith? Think big picture and long-term, my friend. You’re a freshman alderman in some very, very deep waters with much bigger fish.
Lance Tyson is a good pick.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 12:44 pm
any day a stroger aide is in the news is a great day for the state gop. Any day a stroger aide is in the news running against an indicted democratic state rep as a write candidate. Good luck selling this one.
by the way if we lose again this year in the state legislative races I’d love to see cross and radogno whacked. they’re doing nothing for the party.
Comment by Shore Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 1:08 pm
I’d be petulant too, sleeping on the couch sucks.
Comment by The Captain Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 1:26 pm
Tyson has a license to practice law–that can be taken away for misconduct–and experience in Springfield working with the legislature. Good choice.
Comment by Rudy Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 1:44 pm
I worked with Lance on more than a few issues back when he was with the City. He’s top notch and a great pick. I wouldn’t hold his working for Stroger against him. We’ve all had bad bosses. Just because you work for someone doesn’t mean you agree with everything they do.
Comment by TwoFeetThick Thursday, May 24, 12 @ 1:52 pm