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Today’s Tribune endorsement editorial, entitled “How to liberate Cook County,” started out predictably enough.
Years of hard work by anti-machine reformers have led to this moment: the chance for a new president of the 17-member Cook County Board–plus a majority of at least nine steady votes for slashing bloat and improving services.Tony Peraica should be that new County Board president. And if voters make good choices in board races, his reform agenda will prevail. […]
The County Board to be elected Nov. 7 is likely to include at least eight reformers. Swinging a ninth vote away from the machine politicians who have owned Cook County would make a decisive difference. With that reform agenda driving these choices, here are the Tribune’s endorsements for contested County Board races
The Tribune, which recently discovered that clout played a major role in the 2003 aldermanic election, details a litany of nasty politics by those bad ol’ county board members and even refuses to endorse either candidate in some races.
And then we come to this paragraph:
11th District (South and Southwest Sides, southwest suburbs): This page has argued that incumbent Democrat John Daley has the knowledge and political skills to help engineer a radical overhaul and downsizing of county government. Daley’s familiarity with county finances brings with it a responsibility to be a dynamic force for reform. He is endorsed over Republican political consultant Carl Segvich.
What do you think? Did the Tribsters completely wimp out or do you think they actually believe that John Daley - the brother of the mayor - is a potential anti-machine reformer?
*** UPDATE *** Speaking of goofy newspaper editorials, remember the Northwest Herald’s strange endorsement of Pat Quinn because the paper mistakenly believed the LG was elected separately and Quinn could work with either a Repub or a Dem governor? Well, it wasn’t just the NW Herald. Other papers in the chain also ran the editorial before somebody figured out the oopsie and pulled it offline.
I try not to nitpick because everybody makes mistakes. Stuff happens. But these are endorsements, so the bar is set much higher. Endorsements are supposedly thoroughly debated and carefully considered within the institution before publication. These are not stories written under impossible deadlines or unimportant blurbs that nobody cares about.
Anyway, I was browsing through the NW Herald’s other endorsements today when I noticed this line in the paper’s glowing support for Dan Rutherford:
Rutherford served 20 years in the House
Um… actually, Rutherford served just ten years in the House.
The NW Herald’s endorsement editorial which claimed Topinka has no property tax relief plan also caught my eye. You may not like Topinka’s property tax relief plan, you might think it doesn’t go far enough, you may not think it’ll work as promised, you may even despise her proposed funding source, but she does, in fact, have one.
*** UPDATE 2 *** [Sigh.] I hate to keep at this, but I don’t think the SoS office has 37,000 employees, as claimed in the NW Herald’s Rutherford endorsement. Not even close.
The real headcount is about 3,800.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 12:19 pm
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I read that on the bus today and said “WTF???” Ah, Daley’s minions at work for the TribCo again!
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 12:35 pm
Expecting a man named Daley to reform anything? Laughable.
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 12:38 pm
Typical trib BS. They should keep the Cubs and sell the newspaper.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 12:49 pm
Interpreting the stale old windbags on top of the Ivory Tower is fairly easy.
By radical reform they mean the daley’s have run out of city assests to sell off and are starting in on Cook County.
Comment by HappyToaster Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 1:32 pm
Maybe the Trib really has something against Oberweis:
http://www.segvich.com/aboutme.html
“Carl’s most recent professional political employment was working on the Illinois gubernatorial campaign of Jim Oberweis.”
Maybe he hasn’t updated his website in a long time, but he dosen’t have a who’s who’s when it comes to endorsements:
“ENDORSEMENTS
Illinois State Senator Chris Lauzen
Jim Oberweis, former gubernatorial candidate
John Cox, candidate for President (2008)
Family Taxpayers Network (FTN)
Peter J. LaBarbera, Pro-Family advocate
Dave Smith, Pro-Family advocate
Rick Biesada, Chicago Minuteman Project founder
National Taxpayers United for Illinois”
You would think that at least Peraica would endorse him. Does anyone else know this guy? Maybe there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Comment by Tweed Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 1:38 pm
They also went for Jery Butler and Bobbi Steele
In the unlikely event that Stroger losses, won’t they be surprised when Fast Eddy V. shows to give Fast Tony P. the oath, right before his bond hearing down on Dearborn Steet.
Comment by Reddbyrd Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 1:56 pm
Its the Trib. One day they complain that the City Council is a rubber stamp for the Mayor and the next day they complain because the Aldermen stand up to the Mayor and pass Big Box. It’s easy to crticizing is easy — unfortunately, they are the best two-faced critics in the business
Comment by Grocery Guy Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 2:02 pm
I agree with the Tribune that John Daley has the knowlege to reform Cook County government however, they never bother to address whether he has the desire to.
Perhaps, they anticipate several indictments which seems to motivate the Daley family into becoming overnight reformers.
Comment by Garp Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 2:31 pm
John Daley has had plenty of time to demonstrate his willingness to reform Cook government but he has done nothing but perpetuate the status quo. He has steadfastly supported John Stroger’s tax increases, probably because Stroger delivered black votes for Rich Daley. The Trib wimped out.
Comment by Tom Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 2:44 pm
Except for John Kass and a couple of others, the Trib has become the fluff paper of record. The Sun Times is more substantive these days.
I’m sure the Tribune will endorse Topinka too, just like they did George Ryan in ‘98.
Comment by Real Clear Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 2:59 pm
They offered him the Road to Redemption– for his brother.
Comment by Think about it Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 3:38 pm
Why endorse anybody?
What does it really mean?
Why not let the chips fall where they may.
That way, the newspapers don’t get caught up in the BS of politics and not beholden to anyone or any party.
That frees up the newspapers to report the truth, what a concept!
Comment by Whatever Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 3:47 pm
I thought the very same thing. I thought the Peraica endorsement was obvious and most of the commissioner snippets. It made sense that Beavers was not endorsed. I was pleasantly surprised that Hawkins got the nod, then BAM, endorsing John Daley. I noticed they used weasel language, specificically he had the “knowledge” to reform the government. It didn’t say anything about the political will.
Ashur Odishoo
Candidate
State Representative 11th District
www.voteodishoo.com
Comment by Ashur Odishoo Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 3:51 pm
I think you pick on my hometown paper more than I do, Rich.
Comment by Cal Skinner Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 3:52 pm
Carl once worked for Peraica but they had a falling out, suprise-suprise! He is a right-wing extremist of the Fox News variety who cares little about the basic constituent service nature of local governmnet. His support in the area is and has been consistently negilible.
Comment by thomas paine Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 4:08 pm
Speaking of slow days, there are reports of a Treasurer’s debate. Anyone attend? Any breathing taking moments?
Surprised there was no Live Blogging.
Comment by HeKnowsBarack Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 4:09 pm
With all the BS TV ads, and the mistakes in the newspapers. It is no wonder voters are so well informed, and vote in large numbers. (:
Comment by MIDSTATE Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 4:27 pm
“They also went for Jery Butler”
No they did not.
Comment by T.J. Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 4:33 pm
By Gosh T.J. U R Right and I am wrong. he Trib’s words — a very persuasive pass — are below. Sorry I flapped in with the wrong info.
“3rd District (Near South Side): Incumbent Democrat Jerry “Iceman” Butler’s voting pattern marks him a defender of the status quo. The Tribune can endorse neither Butler nor his opponent, Maurice Perkins.”
Comment by Reddbyrd Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 4:46 pm
My irony meter hits the peg any time one of the Blagobloggers starts carping about something being inaccurate, fluffy, or BS. Ever read any of your own guy’s stuff, folks? Not just the campaign ads and the 411,372 press releases the Ministry of Disinformation has cranked out, but the real stuff. Bond Offering Statements, things like that. Things that can get you indicted for fibbing in the contents.
Redd, don’t rent a tux yet for the Stroger inaugural ball. I agree Peraica is a goof, but AA smells a skunk at Toddler’s picnic. Just stay tuned.
Besides, the Eddie V jacket fits on Blago just as nicely as Peraica, so don’t get carried away with that one.
Go Cards.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 5:20 pm
The Northwest Herald is terrible. Is this a high school paper? These inaccurate editorials should make the Daily Illini staff feel good about themselves.
Comment by Truth Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 5:31 pm
GO DAN GO!
Comment by ninja Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 5:54 pm
Could someone tell me who comprises the editorial board of the NW Herald? Moe, Larry & Curly?
Comment by fedup dem Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 6:05 pm
Actually AA, Fast Eddie does not bother me one twit.Fast TonyP and his long haired aides are the one running the other way. But the “reform” guys at the Tower will be all riled when he marches in with the Bible and the idiot (opps I meant cue) card for the oath. Fast Eddie could go to both events Todd takes the oath in December GRod in January.
Just a few more minutes til we start to wrap up game five and go up 3-2.
Go Cards!
Comment by Reddbyrd Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 6:42 pm
Hey Birdie– Just a few more days til you have to grappel with the next round of indictments and the regular joes go 4 for 4.
Go Fitz!
Comment by Think about it Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 8:10 pm
Hey, Stroger’s wife works at SoS in HR. And she is off of work for a few weeks.
Comment by Notyet! Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 8:21 pm
Go Dan Go! Also who in the world would endorse John Cox? John Cox lost in the election for recorder of deeds. How in the world can he be president?
Comment by JakeCP Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 8:22 pm
And guess who is negotiating……..oh Peter oh Peter Fitzgerald……oh what you’ve done for the republic!
Comment by Think about it Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 8:39 pm
I believe the 37,000 employees include Jesse Whites relatives that are on the payroll. The 3,800 only reflect those who actually do work at the Secretary of State for their paycheck. If the state honestly wants a hands on no nonsense business approach to the Secretary of State office Dan Rutherford is the only choice. I do not believe the Herald will be the last Newspaper endorsement of the campaign
Comment by Muletown Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 10:15 pm
I think 37,000 is on the low side.
Comment by Think about it Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 10:28 pm
Any way you cut it…it’s time for a change atop the corruption that has drug this great state into a giant spiral of lies…time to bring in the new…I’m voting for Rutherford and my I suggest you do the same.
Comment by Dan Fan Tuesday, Oct 17, 06 @ 10:59 pm
Way to go Cards! Let us all agree on that, Off to Shea to wrap it up,
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 1:08 am
“By Gosh T.J. U R Right and I am wrong. he Trib’s words — a very persuasive pass — are below. Sorry I flapped in with the wrong info.”
With such a friendly reply, no need to be sorry. Thanks.
Comment by T.J. Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 1:51 am
Having read the Tribune Editorial, I agree with many of their endorsements, but their reference to Suffredin and Quigley as among the best commissioners is laughable. Both of these indididuals claim to be reformers, while cutting deals to enrich themselves and those close to them. Both of these so called “reformers” have sold out to the Todd Stroger camp, and are endorsing him for president of the county board. Among the benefits to Quigley are the protection of his brother who is on the county payroll for more than $100,000 per year, and a posh job for his chief of staff. Rumor has it that “Larry the Lobbyist” Suffredin has been promised first choice as to which committee he would chair under a Stroger administration, as well as jobs and contracts. Suffredin is a bought and paid for hack who sells his vote in exchange for lobbying work. He is a disgrace to his district and is NOT a reformer.
Comment by Jim Blaisdell Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 3:31 am
Larry “Sufferin Sassafras” Suffredin learned all his tricks from Julie “Mother Theresa with a Switchblade” Hamos. It is great theater and they put on a great show.
Comment by Think about it Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 6:48 am
Wow, the media got it wrong? That never happens.
Comment by Todd Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 8:16 am
‘Suffredin and Quigley as among the best commissioners is laughable. Both of these indididuals claim to be reformers, while cutting deals to enrich themselves and those close to them. Both of these so called “reformers†‘
Jim,
Please to meet another person who reads the newspapers with a critical eye that matches your sense of smell when cheese-eaters get under foot.
Can you imagine the larceny afoot, if the Uriah Heep of Illinois Politics, Mike Quigley is given a set of keys to anything? Hold the phone, Jim!
Comment by Pat Hickey Wednesday, Oct 18, 06 @ 8:43 am