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Stroger-Peraica. Final result. Explain.

Bonus question: Hey, Cardinal fans, what happened to your guys last night?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:05 am

Comments

Stroger 55
Peraica 45

Tony Peraica is an opportunist’s opportunist. He will get crushed by the democratic machine effort in the city and high dem producing townships like Proviso and Thornton. While Todd is not the best candidate the dems could have put forth, he is still a dem. The best shot the repubs had at winning a seat was with Aurie Pucinski and she was crushed. Bye Bye Tony, we hardly knew ye.

Comment by Anon Starter Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:15 am
50-50 tie, then the re-counts. Both sides claim faulty machines, then the lawsuits. Finally, father John awakes and wants his job back.

The St. Louis Cards, well they fell apart like something you buy at Wal-Mart.

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:16 am
The cardinals lost, they list score and stuff online too.

Comment by ESPN Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:18 am
Tony 49%
Toddler 47%

Comment by scoot Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:21 am
Peraica 51.5 Stroger 48.5. The NW suburban congressional races get out a large anti-Stroger vote. Most of the machine (especially on the north and west side) sits this one out.

Comment by Bluefish Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:23 am
Peraica 51% Stroger 49%. Tony gets enough votes from angry lakefront liberals/progressives to hold off the Machine. Obviously some will leave the ballot blank, but enough are outraged at the Machine to hold their noses and vote for Tony. Will Beavers play the race card afterwards?

Although I could care less who wins, I hope Scott Speizio gets beaned in the groin.

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:26 am
Heard Stroger speak last night…He is soft spoken but not unintelligent…

Dems who are considering voting for Peraica because they are ticked off about the way he was slated should remember that the likelihood of the banning of reproductive services at Stroger hospital and the ability to conceal carry will
be Mr. Peraica’s first actions as new President.

Thw neocons in DC would love to have a conservative Repub at the helm in Cook County just in time for 2008 elections.

Don’t punish the indigent and people living in already crime infested neighborhoods by electing Peraica.

11/7 Results: Stroger 51% Peraica 49%. Nasty and proracted recount scenario.

Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:30 am
Pretty funny stuff on the news last night, Stroger people snatching the Peraica signs, soooo stupid they keep the crumpled,torn signs in the van right next to the new Tod Stroger signs in front of the Stroger campaign HQ, also Mike Noonan says the photos that the media showed may have been digitaly altered, ha ha. Hey Noonan how is you partner Victor Reyes doing ?

Comment by Vince Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:34 am
55-45 Stroger. African-American voters who came out to defeat Claypool will do the same in Nov. Lakefront liberal rhetoric proves empty as they fall in line with the party, or don’t vote.

Cards are not that good of a team to begin with and their bats are predictably cooling. Suppan is a big time postseason pitcher, against whatever Randolph dredges up for Game 7. Can Cards contain Mets’ explosive bats one more night? Should be a good one.

Comment by Tom Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:39 am
The lead article in the Tribune makes me think Chicago Democrats could steal the election and the Republicans don’t have enough people to figure out where or how.

Comment by Cal Skinner Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:40 am
Peraica would need to be up by a significant percentage to win this because we know the Stroger GOTV operation will be very strong. He wont be up by anything going into election day.

That being said Stroger 47 - Peraica 40 - creative write ins 13

After the big win Stroger goes to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate with his friends.

Comment by HANKSTER Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:40 am
There will be a caravan of Stroger vans leaving cemetaries w/ bags full of votes.

People would rather provide abortions at government facilities than try to stop the corruption, investigations, FBI raids, incompetence in hiring, croneyism. You people are friggin nuts. Stroger is a lightweight and has no clue how to run the county. That doesn’t make him stupid, just not qualified had his last name not been stroger.

Comment by Wumpus aka Cowboy Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:44 am
I honestly have no idea, in part because I don’t have a good sense of what turnout in the city and south suburbs will be. This will be one of the more fascinating races in the state next month.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:47 am
Loop Lady–

Wow! I have never heard that argument before. So Peraica will end reproductive services and likes guns? Well now I’ll definitely vote for Stroger. He’s “not unintelligent.” But now I am scared, will Karl Rove set up shop at State and Madison if Peraica wins? I do not doubt your sincerity, but I invite you to lay out a reason to vote FOR Stroger and not regurgitate somewhat dubious reasons to vote against Peraica.

Stroger 48%
Peraica 46%
Various write-ins playing the Nader role 6%

Comment by Matt Leinart Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:47 am
Stroger 58%
Peraica -42% Big African American turnout.

Tony starts playing ball with Uriah Heep and Run Forrest Run to give all the scabs a nice steady scratching and endless Trib investigative cycles and Harrumphs! Cook County Government will muddle on for a few months and then Todd Stoger, with sound political advice by pros, will enact reforms, cuts and measures; while the Quigley Revolution simmers on the back -burner. Should be WoW Viewing.

Comment by Pat Hickey Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:48 am
Loop Lady…thanks for the morning laugh, it was much needed!

Comment by Ryan Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:51 am
Stroger 52%
Peraica 47%
other 1%
The black wards are going to come out huge for Stroger with high turnout. The suburbs will have a depressed turnout which will hurt Tony. The white machine wards will carry for Todd but not at all that great of numbers.

But then again I picked the Cardinals last night. I also should probably back off my 20% figure for the Green guy.

Comment by anon Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:03 am
I think the race is a close one, but Toddler falls in the end by 2, hurt by last-minute fresh revelations of scandal again related to the campaign inner circle.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:04 am
Momentum has definitely swung in Peraica’s favor. Stroger needs to raise about $500,000 - and find a way to spend it - quickly.

I’d be interested to see how early voting turnout is going in Cook County, and where those votes are coming from. That would be a good indicator of whether or not Stroger’s base is motivated.

To the GOP gloaters: never, ever count Mike Noonan out.

Rich: How are your White Sox doing? I thought so.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:06 am
somebody give me a good reason why I should vote for Stroger. Perica is like nails on a chalk board and I can’t bring myself to vote for him. A couple articles about Todd this week..Kadner in the Southtown, Carol Marin in the Suntimes have really turned me off to Stroger. I’m a loyal Dem but between this and the governors race, I’m really scratching my head.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:16 am
It’s not going to be that close. Stroger wins by in excess of 5.

All of the childish talk about “Toddler” is only firing up the Black folks, and rightly so. Peraica’s campaign comes across like the thuggish Cicero operation that it is.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:17 am
Very close! Peraica will win. Stroger does not have a winning coalition. Most white ethnic organization Democrats will be unable to deliver for Stroger. Stroger will be annihilated on the lakefront(low turnout) and in Northern/Northwestern Cook County. Key is African-American turnout - if it’s heavy, instead of moderate,Stoger has a chance.Another key is whether lakefront liberals abstain or vote for Peraica.

Comment by Captain America Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:26 am
Todd wins 55-45 Top reasons
1. Big vote south and west.
2. Libs learn Whitney is for concealed carry and decide to stay home and skip the election.
3. Obama comes out for Todd down stretch

Cards-Mets
No excuses. They failed score early. Molina makes 2 bad throws — don’t think I have seen that in one game. Error on Rolen and Spezio tries to be Jungle Jim Landis.
Right now they about six wins ahead of where I thought they would be in post season, but Supp was great the other night and I am thinking we can sneak in.
GO Cards

Comment by Reddbyrd Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:35 am
The westssssiiiide will not turn out in huge numbers for Todd

Comment by Wumpus aka Cowboy Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:40 am
Folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but “lakefront liberals” don’t exist anymore. In the years since the coalition that swept Harold Washington into office was formed, Uptown, Rogers Park, the 43th, 44th, 46th Wards have all regentrified with rich yuppies that don’t vote, don’t care, and don’t know the history. “If wishes were fishes”… as the saying goes. Even Hyde Park will vote for Todd over Tony. How does that grab you?

Comment by Anon Starter Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:45 am
To the Lib gloaters: never, ever count Karl Rove out.

Comment by Liam Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:52 am
“Folks, I hate to burst your bubble, but â€œlakefront liberalsâ€ donâ€™t exist anymore. In the years since the coalition that swept Harold Washington into office was formed, Uptown, Rogers Park, the 43th, 44th, 46th Wards have all regentrified with rich yuppies that donâ€™t vote, donâ€™t care, and donâ€™t know the history. ”

Sure they exist - they just can’t win an election anywhere that takes place more than three hundred yards from Lake Michigan. But, they’re out there - mobilzin’ a’plenty! Human Suffering and InJustice are both peeing in their britches! Let Ruling Classes Tremble! More Brie?

Comment by Pat Hickey Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:59 am
I think the race is going to be close enough to need a big recount.

Cardinals are just toying with the Mets and their fans. Nothing like bringing it to a Game 7, getting the home crowd’s hopes up, and then stomping on them like a rotten pear.

Comment by Left Leaner Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:06 am
Left Leaner — Which word do you think will be used more during the recount: “corrupt” or “disenfranchised”? that’s how we’ll know who is ahead.

Comment by Matt Leinart Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:10 am
I don’t think the Machine has much enthusiasm for Stroger, but it’s going through the motions.

I think the people are feeling sour and inclined to throw out incumbents.

I also think plenty of people would love to stick it to Stroger and Beavers, but none of them want to be caught doing it.

I can believe Peraica winning with 60 points, but I can believe Stroger winning by just as much.

If I had to predict Peraica 50.8, Stroger 49.2.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:16 am
Anyone who thinks the “lakefront liberals” are excited about Peraica, someone who came out of Betty Loren Maltese’s mobbed-up Cicero political operation, obviously doesn’t spend a lot of time on the lakefront, and I wonder if they have even ever been to Chicago.

Don’t forget. Peraica didn’t split with Betty Loren Maltese’s organization in Cicero on his own, or out of any concern about mob ties or corruption.

Peraica was too much of a bull in the china shop for THEM. They threw him under the bus.

But Peraica’s back in Cicero now with Larry Dominick as town president. Dominick was a high ranking town official under Maltese.

Don’t worry. Cooler heads will soon prevail.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:19 am
The lead article in the Tribune makes me think Chicago Democrats could steal the election and the Republicans donâ€™t have enough people to figure out where or how.–Cal Skinner

The Dems seem to think there have been a few elections recently that weren’t on the up-and-up.

Maybe it’s time to get a voting system with better safeguards against fraud.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:19 am
Real Clear, so your accusation is that Peraica was too much of a straight arrow for the Cicero GOP?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:20 am
The pictures were not altered, were taken by Cook GOP staff (who are doing a helluva job in trying to keep Stroger’s people honest). There are eyewitnesses to the contents of the truck.

Hey Noonan - your thugs were caught redhanded. Deal with it, and stop making up ridiculous nonsense like “digitally altered pictures.” Really, who would bother to do that? Can;t wait for the next one - “Aliens stole the signs and put them in my truck!” LOL!

Peraica 53-47. NOBODY is going out of their way for Toddler, other than the 8th, 11th and 19th Wards. The West Side has lots of reasons to put out a minor league effort.

Comment by Bubs Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:26 am
You can’t tell on this one by the polls. Cook county voters know what they are supposed to say. But will vote differently and stay mum about it later.

The louder partisan campaigns are getting, the quieter voters are becoming. Expecially regarding black voters. Democrats can no longer expect mass black voters supporting them. However, black voters know what to say to pollsters, neighbors and co-workers. They know what signs to put on their lawns. But the solidarity once shown to Democrats has evaporated. They have been taken for granted for too long.

With Cook County in a total fiscal catastrophe, there will be no winners on election day. To reform Cook county government into something resembling a functioning operation will take years of change.

If Tony loses, so does Chicago and Cook. Even a win for him is nothing but a baby step towards the 21st Century for this backwater remnent of the old Soviet bloc mentality.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:33 am
Bubs:

I think the Stroger camp is doing the county a service by taking down Tony’s signs in the public-right-of-way. He can’t get real people to put them up on private property so his cadre of janitors put them on the roadsides. Thanks, Todd, for keeping Cook County clean!

Stroger 75
Peraica: 25

Comment by Anon Starter Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:36 am
Real Clear - If you think that “lakefront liberals” either know or care about Betty Loren Maltese and Peraica, you are deluded. They might if Stroger and his allies had spent their money getting that message out, but they didn’t. They chose to hammer Peraica on social issues; I’m guessing because polling tells them that making the election about ethics and corruption is a bad idea, unless you can outspend your opponent 10-1 as Blagojevich has.

From what I’ve heard, the rightwing Republican attacks aren’t working. Partly because voters don’t believe that the next Cook County Board president is going to have the power to overturn Roe v. Wade or ban gay marriage.

But the main reason is that the biggest issue facing “lakefront liberals” isn’t a social one, it’s their property taxes. And while the lakefront largely gives Mayor Daley a free pass on this issue, they see Cook County government as the posterchild for government waste, patronage, and corruption. That’s what happens when you push for $400 million in tax increases year after year.

“Lakefront liberals” will largely be voting their property tax bills this year, just as they did in the primary.

Stroger must turn out huge numbers in the black community to win, and he’s going to have to spend boatloads on field to do it. Robocalls and direct mail won’t be enough. You’ve got to put a volunteer in voters faces with flash cards of Peraica in a Klan hood to do the trick.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:44 am
A couple things to keep in mind:

1. As Wumpus said, the west side is not going strongly support Stroger, especially considering how Natarus went after Danny K. Davis when Davis wanted the Board presidency.

2. Within most of the City, there are no real contested races of interest, which should keep the vote down. I don’t see anybody particularly motivated by either the County Board race or the gov. race.

3. In the areas that have races of interest — C10 and C6 — it does not appear that the Dem. voters would support Stoger. Seals is not an old machine guy, and of course neither is Duckworth.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:48 am
i’m seeing lots of Peraica signs on the nort’west side. Peraica’s a one-termer who won’t be able to do the abortion/gun damage feared. This dem is voting for him so we can get a decent dem candidate in in 4 years. Peraica by a hair.

Who cares about the NL? It’s Tigers all the way. “We’re all behind our baseball team, go get ‘em Tigers…” circa 1968

Comment by corvax Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:54 am
YDD,

Flash cards with Peraica in a klan hood…. I wouldn’t be too surprised if the Shaw brothers are printing those up right now.

Comment by Matt Leinart Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:55 am
Carl, I’m certainly NOT saying Peraica was too much of a straight arrow for Maltese. That’s a ridiculous reading of what I wrote.

I believe I said Peraica was too much of a bull in the china shop. I don’t think a reasonable person would translate that as “too much of a straight arrow.”

He was thrown under the bus because he was viewed as wanting too big of a piece too soon, and too much on his own.

Think the Capone baseball bat scene from the mid-80’s remake of The Untouchables.

And by the way, Stroger’s won on the stealing signs issue, because Peraica’s got a history of dirty politics and doctoring photos.

You can see it from his shills on this board. Don’t forget, Peraica’s goons and the Cook County GOP goons are pretty much the same. They have a history of doctoring photos, i.e. the Toddler website.

These are childish people who have stooped to superimposing Todd’s head on a baby. They have done similar things on an anti-Blago site, putting Rod’s head on a convict in an orange jump suit for example.

The GOP in Cook is nonexistent. Mostly just a bunch of childish thugs, that couldn’t make the grade on the Dem side.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:02 pm
I do wonder if some of the ward machines will be secretly pulling for Peraica to win, so that Cook County doesn’t stay with the 8th ward for another term. Maybe Quigley planted himself in Stroger’s camp to sabotage. Quigley did a good job of that in Claypool’s camp.

Comment by Wondering Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:17 pm
Real Clear,

We know your own obsessive dreams of political power went up in smoke with the internal collapse of your organization. We can therefore understand your obvious jealousy in seeing any other Republican succeed without the assistance of Jack Roeser, and by extension yourself. But attacking every other Republican in sight just makes you look bitter, and less than credible.

Tom Swiss and the Cook GOP has done a terrific, though thankless, job of monitoring Ward service offices to prevent City property from being used for Democratic campaign efforts. They just stumbled upon the truck. The cameras were there to record political activity. There are eyewitnesses at the scene as well. The monitoring is occuring because the Cook GOP suit against specific Aldermen continues to block political use of City rented property, and will be heard by the Illinois Appellate Court in November.

If you got off your duff and did something positive for civic reform, instead of attacking fellow Republicans to promote your own power, maybe people will actually start paying attention to you again.

Tony Peraica has been a refreshing voice for Reform, and has acted on the County Board, not just talked. I suggest you rethink things.

Comment by Bubs Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:19 pm
haven’t seen any Stroger signs in the 19th Ward but have seen a few for Perica. They are busy getting their alderman re-elected.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:20 pm
Something that hasn’t been widely reported is that both Quigley and Claypool have endorsed Peraica’s Dem opponent for the Board Commissioner seat (separate from the President’s race).

That’s another point. At least John Stroger had the decency to spread a little of the wealth. He let another Democrat serve as the Commissioner from his district, and only had the President’s job.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:22 pm
What about other competitive races going on in Cook, suburban Cook, that might move voters to the poll?

It’s a pet theory of mine, never validated, that part of the reason Stroger beat Claypool was because there were quite a few competitive primaries in Strogerland, whereas much fewer in Claypool Country.

The Roskam-Duckworth race touches part of Cook County, for example, so that should boost up Republicans and Dems for Mt Prospect, and Elk Grove if the right parts overlap. That won’t help Stroger. Where are the other races on the ballot that might bring people out? And especially that might boost African-American turnout?

Comment by ZC Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:30 pm
The most important thing first. The Cards lost because they were out pitched and out hit. I’ve suffered through too many Game 7 losses with the Cards over the years–losses which always were on the road. IF we were at Busch behind Suppan, I would be confident. Unfortunately, we’re at Shea.

As for Stroger-Peraica, Stroger ekes by with strong African American turnout. Turnout elsewhere is depressed by wave of stories of corruption and negative campaigning.

Nobody actually wants to vote FOR somebody in this election (a striking contrast to the high turnout generated by Obama just two years ago), so only the most loyal Democratic voters (African-Americans) turn out in normal numbers.

Comment by Cards Fan/Obama Fan Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:35 pm
Real Clear,
You’re wrong. Stroger held both the Commissioner seat and the Board President seat.

You Stroger people just are shameless about the lies you spread. Zorn’s got your number down pat in his column today.

Comment by Noonan Watch Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:38 pm
I Was the Winner in last nights Cardinal Prediction! so here is tonights final score and I think most of you will like it! Pitching edge goes to the Cards, And I think thier bats will wake up it will be a fight but Cards win—6-4 and as for Stroger & Perica its Chicago expect the person who is Most Corrupt will win! Thats CHICAGO STYLE!

Comment by Big W Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:40 pm
Peraica - 52
Stroger - 48

Most decent Dems (i.e. people who know how to think for themselves, but who usually vote Dem) I know will vote for Peraica. Many think he is a one-termer which means that the Dems will have to put up a credible candidate in 4 years whom I would be happy to switch my vote to (like a Danny Davis or Forrest Claypool). But for now, 4 years of Tony is better than a couple decades of being stuck with Toddler.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:53 pm
Are there “Stroger People”. I know there are machine hacks and dems on payroll, but does anyone really like Urkel.

Peraica 56%
Stroger 44%

No recount. Black community loved the dad, distains the son.

Comment by Schiznitz Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 12:59 pm
Big W:

Here is what you predicted: “Mets win 5-3 Sorry Cards, just trying to be realisticâ€¦â€¦”

Here is what I wrote: Mets - 4, Cards - 2.

So, I said it first and had the correct score. Mets win tonight 5-2.

Since I am the King of Prognosticators, I predict that Todd Stroger bests Tony Peraica 58-42. Take it to the bank!

Comment by John Lee Pettimore Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 1:08 pm
Todd 62-38. Too many Democrats or too few Republicans in Cook. Take you pick.

Comment by HappyToaster Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 1:12 pm
If John Stroger did hold both posts, I’ll stand corrected, and apologize for my good faith error.

Will amend to, Peraica wants to be EXACTLY like John Stroger.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 1:32 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald has destroyed the political armies of the past. The vaunted “ward bosses” and “machine” no longer have patronage armies. Some wards are making half-hearted efforts, but politics is a new day in Chicago.

The westside doesn’t care about Todd. The south side isn’t excited about him, but willing to vote. The black vote doesn’t care about the governor’s race and don’t really care for Todd, so it will be a low turnout.

80-90% of Claypool voters will vote for Peraica because they are informed enough to know that county government is probably the worst in the country.

Peraica 58%
Stroger 42%

Comment by Ashur Odishoo Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 1:42 pm
Yes, my beloved Cards lost last night. Hopefully things will be different tonight!. But you upstaters must remember that at least STL is still in the hunt tonight unlike the Cubs or the White Sox (sorry Rich!). Rather be a has been than a never was!

Comment by Wile Coyote Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:27 pm
Out in Southwest Cook County ‘burbs, I’ve had so many Dems asking me for Peraica signs that I hardly have enough for Republicans!

My friends in the Beverly/ Mt Greenwood neighborhoods of the 19th Ward are volunteering that they may be putting up Stroger signs “for show” but are going to vote for Peraica.

One curious thing, though.

A curiously high percentage of independent voters out Southwest seem to be favoring Giannoulis over Radogno, and won’t even put up her signs, though they will for Peraica.

It seems like the Giannoulis ethnic network is circling the wagons since the GOP and press have been slinging mud at him.

Before, this group was favoring Christine.

Just an observation.

Comment by PalosParkBob Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:27 pm
I suspect that it winds up as 52 Stroger 48 Peraica. I just don’t think there are enough Dems that will cross over and the GOP is all but dead in the city and half the Cook burbs.

Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:31 pm
Todd was shaking hands in Lincoln Square this morning with Shulter. On top of that, I got a flyer in the mail yesterday with Emanual, Shakowsky, Fritchey and Shulter all backing Stroger. The Dems have too much vested in control to not get behind Todd.

Stroger - 60%
Peraica - 40%

Comment by schenked Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:42 pm
Cards 3 Mets 1. Soup’s just getting warmed up.
Jose Jose Go Away

As for the other, I don’t care but if its north of I-80 I say the Democrat. No common sense can be found there or here.

Comment by BIG R.PH Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:45 pm
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, it’s when they start sharing it that trouble follow.”

You all might want to think about that.

Comment by Tigersin4 Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 2:55 pm
I dont understand how the people on this blog can speak for the westside. When none of you live on the westside. People on the west side especially seniors are upset about how the media talks only negative about Todd. Many of them view this race as another chance to put a young African American male into a major public office. They are sick and tired of hearing how Todd is dumb, uninformed, or not up for the job. They don’t care what Carol Marin, or other columnist’s write about Todd, they view it as they (the media) couldnt get John Stroger, so let’s get Todd. The seniors in the 24, 28, 29 and 37th ward are very upset with the whole situation and are adamant about supporting Todd. They believe that services at Stroger hospital will be cut, they believe that its Mayor Daley’s fault that property taxes are high not the county. They also understand that the reason why the main countys fiscal problems comes from the cuts the President Bush has implemented. I would strongly urge those folks on this page who claim they know whats going on the west side to really only speak for the area where they live, not from what someone from cicero or mark carter has told them. Go into the 24th ward there are no Peraica signs, all Todd in yards and in windows. Same as in 29, 28 and 37. I predict Todd will obtain 52% of the vote. If Todd can get a commerical on the air expect that number to be higher. Lastly to all the Peracia fans, he may have been able to beat Todd, if he would have just been quiet and ran a campagin talking about issues. He would have had a better shot.

Comment by northlawndale Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:00 pm
Yeah. Stroger wins 53 to 47. A lot depends on the black vote, but there is ‘enuff power in the Cook County Machine to get him elected.

But either candidate will be a one-termer anyway.

Comment by pickles!! Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:07 pm
oh, and the Mets should win. Cards have been overrated all season. If they lose, LaRussa get canned. Just my prediction….

Comment by pickles!! Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:08 pm
Ashur â€“ It does not take a political army. It takes just one partisan election judge in each precinct. Read the article in todayâ€™s Tribune about how easy it is to screw up the equipment.

1. Pull out the data cartridge with the power on. (Oops.) Pass it over the magnet in your pocket just to be sure.

2. Take the loose paper ballots out of the box (part of the official process) and mark the races you need to fix. (Watch while all of the judges pass the ballots around the table to laugh at the silly things voters have done.)

3. Lose any paper tapes the precinct captains forget to take.

Everyone thinks the illegal activities are done when the polls are open; wrong. It takes a very few people to control the outcome of the election because they control the paper ballots after 7pm.

So many voters already screw up their ballots - obviously on purpose sometimes - that no one will question more messy ballots.

Peraica-Stroger will be so close they will have to pass the ballots around the Election office to find the winning one.

Comment by Helpless Poll Watcher Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:21 pm
Voter turnout will be dismal, nay pathetic. And before all your Peraicaphiles start jumping for joy at this prospect, look at the reality. Negative commercial after negative commercial, the voters will be so turned off by this election, it may take years to get them back to the polls. The county turnout will be worse than the city, for the first time in decades. Judy does NOTHING to bring out the Republican vote. and, truthfully, neither does Tony. Sorry, but it’s true. Voters may say they are angry and frustrated, but what do angry, frustrated voters do? They stay home. And the vaunted ward organizations, like 11th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 23rd, ad township organizations like Proviso, Thornton will turn out the vote like you have never seen.

Low turn out = Tony Peraica’s demise. And he’ll lose his district seat due to neglect. Gomolinski 52, Peraica 48.

Comment by John Lee Pettimore Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:21 pm
I live in the 43rd Ward and I have seen a lot of Peraica signs up. I also know that a lot of people in the black community are fed up with Stroger just because they wait so long in the hospitals. People you have to realize that in the primary elections it was just a vote between the dems. this time you have to add on Forrest Claypool supporters( these people happen to have Peraica signs up now) and Peraica supproters. Stroger isn’t really going to get an increase in votes from what he got in the primary. Also Peraica is doing a lot of reaching out to people in the Black and hispanic communities. For heavens sake his headquarters is on 75th street near the pill hill neighborhood. Here is my prediction:
Peraica:53%
Stroger: 46:
Other: 1%

Comment by JakeCP Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:26 pm
JakeCP:

The Nation of Islam is located in Hyde Park. Applying your logic of Tony’s headquarters being in an African American neighborghood, Hyde Parkers must support Miniser Louis Farrakhan.

The African American community will not vote for Peraica. Never. Ever.

Comment by John Lee Pettimore Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:39 pm
Jake CP, will you be calling in sick on November 7th to work the polls for Tony? That’s how the dems do it.

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:47 pm
I agree with those who say that anyone who’s predicting the West Side won’t go for Stroger is wacky.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 3:55 pm
Jake CP said……>“I live in the 43rd Ward and I have seen a lot of Peraica signs up.”

Todd’s complaining his signs are missing in the 43rd ward. Who’s stealing the Strogers signs Jake CP?

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 4:20 pm
Jack CP, again as an African American, allow me to say this. We do not blame Todd Stroger for the long wait times at the Hospital. He was an alderman, he wasnt on the county board. Now Tony Peracia, he IS on the county board. Its also a known fact that he wants to close Provident Hospital (again in a black community). He has said it over and over in board meetings. He may not have it on his website, but he has sure said it. We would perfer to wait in a long line for health care, than not to even have health care. African Americans, also blame Peraica, as well as other board members for beating up on John Stroger, heck some even go so far as to blame Claypool and the other reformers for the stroke. Why, because “they wouldnt leave the old man alone”. Thats not me talking thats is what is being said on the west side.They believe that Daley put Claypool up to the nonsense. They were ok with a tax hike, if it meant keeping the hospital open. Another thing that has to be realized is that African Americans on the westside are far more pro African American than our south side counter parts. They are mad, becuase it was ok for Lisa Madigan and Tom Hynes to run, but now that its Todd’s turn white’s’ cant back him but they (the Democrats) asked African American to support the white kids. Now Lisa Madigan is a fine AG, but word was before she got elected she never stepped in a court room, yet she carried the west side. But since Todd Stroger never been on the county board, he is now unqualified to hold the seat of Board President. They know that Peracia has only been an elected offical for 4 years, vs Todd’s 14 years. Heck even Steele has taken heat in her own district for not supporting Todd. This is why Todd will win the westside and Peracia doesnt have a shot. The vote that you will see on election day will be a vote of anger,for some white’s not supporting Todd which equals to those whites not givng a young african american male a shot at a big elected office. For future reference African American women and seniors love to see a young African male that is trying to do something positive. The moment they see anyone trying to pull him down, that will form anger, which will drive the voting nubmers up for that African American candidate.

Comment by northlawndale Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 4:53 pm
Jake CP:

“Stroger isn’t really going to get an increase in votes from what he got in the primary.” Todd Stroger didn’t get any votes in the primary. That’s the whole problem here. Votes cannot be patrilineally transferred. Vote Tony 06. And I don’t even like the guy.

Comment by Matt Leinart Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 4:56 pm
Jake, sometimes it’s better just to watch and learn.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 4:58 pm
Hard to tell. I just won’t predict. And I’m disappointed the Cardinals couldn’t bury the Mets. What is wrong?

Comment by Levois Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 5:07 pm
Rich, the West Side is going to go for Stroger, very heavily. The question is HOW very heavily, as he needs every vote he can get there, but the bad blood exists. We will just have to see.

Comment by Bubs Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 5:23 pm
It’s time for Republicans to put up or shut up on election fraud in Chicago and Cook. If it’s so bad, let’s see the criminal referals. Let’s see the charges being filed, and hear the evidence.

Are there Democrats stupid enough to risk going to the Federal Pen so that a Dem can win County-wide by 300,020 votes instead of just 300,000? Maybe. But let’s see the case.

And I agree with whoever said that the demeaning way the media and Peraica are treating Stroger is really going to gin up the Black vote. While passion for Peraica remains lukewarm at best.

This is all good news for Blago too.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 6:08 pm
Yes– it is not about the 2 men themselves–it is much more than that–much much deeper.

Comment by Think about it Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 6:28 pm
West siders support blacks in public office? Please. Is that why Danny Davis supports a corrupt white mayor looting a black suburb in his district? But that’s the exception. As usual, in this contest, blacks will vote race and support Stroger big.

And give us a break about how Peraica should have stayed “nice,” and that’s why blacks are voting for Stroger. What a crock - the same number of blacks would vote for Stroger even if Jesus Christ was running as a Republican. Peraica’s only got traction - and this race is as close as it seems to be - because he’s a tough fighter. If Peraica can’t articulate what’s wrong with Stroger, why would anyone want to vote for Peraica or against Stroger?

Will it be enough to offset whites who vote race, white independents, white liberal goo-goos, latinos, “other,” angry new voter tax revolt whites, and republican whites?

Prediction - still too close to call.

Comment by Noonan Watch Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 6:32 pm
Stroger 48, Peraica 42. The south & west sides will be 95% Stroger, and along with Thorton & Proviso, will be more than enough to win, considering all the people who will either leave the spot blank or write in “Claypool” in the silly belief that the “vote” will actually be counted.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 8:04 pm
John Lee, sorry for the mix up….did not see your post….U ARE THE WINNER!!!!

Comment by Big W Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 8:10 pm
The Cicero Organization will carry Peraica to victory, my friends, and so will Don Stephens.
The African American vote will make no difference in this race, no matter what Noonan says. Noonan has to realize this is not a downstate race he can win with a mail piece or two.

Comment by Over By Der Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 8:14 pm
All I know is, the same people in Peraica’s camp who are promising a close race, are the exact same people who promised that Alan Keyes would be a good candidate to slate against Barack Obama.

My prediction, reality prevails again on Nov. 7th.

Comment by Real Clear Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 8:28 pm
Ok I am going to address everyone the best I can.

Broken Heart: First of all the signs that I see in the 43rd Ward our actually signs that private citizens have decided to put up on their lawns. I’ll take pictures tomorrow and put them on my website. Also no I won’t be calling in sick on Nov.7 to work for Tony I’ll be working for Judy of course!

“Thatâ€™s the whole problem here. Votes cannot be patrilineally transferred. Vote Tony 06. And I donâ€™t even like the guy.”

I know votes can’t be patrilineally transferred. What I am trying to say is that if you Put all of the Claypool supporters with Peraica’s Supproters than I think we have a winner.

John Lee: I also know that Rainbow Push is located in Hyde Park. Trust me I know what’s down there because I used to live there. However you would be surprised at the amount of people who will make backlash votes against a Democrat in a minute. Even listeners have been calling WVON saying we are goign to give some Republicans a chance. That’s right I said WVON.

Northlawndale: As an African-American I have also done my studying from listening to WVON and actually talking to folks in the Hyde Park Neghborhood. yes you are correct a lot of Liberal Minded African Americans are always behind the first black candidate. However, even though Todd is going to get most of the vote he isn’t going to get as much as his dad would in those certain Stroger ruled neighborhoods. The reason is because there is now a person who is qualified to be President of the Cook County Board. There are some black people who are amd and who do blame Stroger for the long wait even though it isn’t his fault. this is why I believe that Peraica will get more votes than expected and win. However you are right Todd Stroger will get most of the vote from the black communities.

You know what I take back what I just said abotu Peraica winning. He’s going to lose because either Bill Clinton is going to make an endorsement for Stroger or the Democratic Machine is going to rig the election.

Comment by JakeCP Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:15 pm
Can’t comment on numbers because I am always wrong. But, I know human nature and history is a fair way of making predictions.
Todd could have proved everyone wrong by “showing up” for events, speaking up on his own behalf and having a clue about county government.

His 15 years in government is a joke. He sat on “catfish row” in Springfield with the rest of the “do-nothings” and in the city council quiet as a church mouse.

Nobody knew him when he was tagged as democratic nominee but “open mouth put foot in” since then.
He’s arrogant, nonchalant, never having to lift a finger and doesn’t even seem to remotely want this job. While everyone else is busting their ass trying to promote him, he shows up and confirms what been said about him.

Now Peracia on the other hand is anathama in his own community and has provided comedy and drama for the county board for four years. But, you certainly know that he was there.

We need a competent voice and someone who is not afraid to attack the problems as they present themselves.

As a black man from the westside, I know 29 and 28 will pump up the vote —Thornton and Proviso will do their thing. However, there is plenty of anger in the black community and some who would like to send a message to the democratic party.

It’s patently clear that even though people liked John Stroger, he ran county government in the ground and thumbed his nose to the taxpayers.

Who wins? Who votes? Who cares? We lose.

But, in four years, a qualified candidate will emerge and then we can get reform needed in county government.

Comment by Nate Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 9:56 pm
Peraica was on Chicago Tonight tonight and told Carol Marin that both of his parents died of cancer, appearently a few years apart. He then came to the U.S. as a boy.

I had never heard that story before about his parents dying of cancer, and given the sympathetic nature, I would have thought Tony would have put that out there before. But it’s been in none of the written interviews. Anyone have any info? I ask because people who have known Peraica for years have said their understanding was Peraica lost his parents through some kind of accident over there.

But I just don’t know.

If this sounds unsympathetic, I’m sorry. But speaking of unsympathetic, Marin then gave Peraica a soft ball, and made the point that Tony could probably identify with Todd who lost an older brother, and came close to losing his own father.

But Tony couldn’t say one supportive thing. He just launched into an attack on how Stroger doesn’t seem to even really want the job. He said Todd didn’t seem to have the necessary passion, but he does.

I found it really distasteful. And he wasn’t smart enough to take adantage of a wonderful opportunity to look like something other than a self-obsessed politico.

Comment by Overcooked Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:26 pm
Todd does not bolster confidence in his smarts or his integrity when he offers up gems like this to the press: ” I know Rezko….but not that well…I know Gerald Nichols much better.”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 10:28 pm
THE CARDINALS WIN THE PENNANT THE CARDINALS WIN THE PENNANT

And the Mets played wonderfully as well.

Comment by DRB Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:07 pm
North lawndale, that is a sad state of affairs for the black community. The whole situation w/ Stroger v the others is that lies and deception. The colluded to hide the condition of old man Stroger and conveniently announced he was out a few days after the indy filing deadline. Anyone who tinks Claypool caused the stroke on Old Man Stroger is just plain stupid, it is a political campaign, not a high school debate. If doing something positive means lying to the voters, and colluding to userp your fathers job, than there is little hope for the black community at large. I hope that “logic” is the exception, not the rule. I do know that in private, Blacks will speak their minds, but may say the crap you have posted in public. Not saying you are lying, but that mindset is truly disheartening in the year 2006. I know there are many more competent, ethical Blacks than the Strogers.

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Oct 19, 06 @ 11:25 pm
I didn’t think Peraica’s comment was offensive, I thought it was accurate. Todd does appear to be a reluctant candidate. He knows he doesn’t have a clue how to fix county and he is smart enough to know that Beavers can’t either.

He is embarassed to death that it looks like he is going to lose in a 3-1 dem county. He isn’t sure if more campaigning actually hurts or helps him, probably the former so he is avoiding media.

His campaign is in meltdown with no money, no people, no interest, and no passion. Only Noonan is trying to hold it together for another 3 weeks.

Traditional dems are sick and disgusted with the backroom deals and arrogance that put the least qualified guy in Cook County on the ballot. This is the continuation of the Claypool underdog reform movement against the self-serving machine.

The only real negative energy against Peraica is from sour grape Republicans that lost previous races to Peraica.

And we know who they are *smiles*

Comment by Deck Marker, Potluck & Roly Poly Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 12:29 am
I didn’t see Marin’s interview of Peraica, and from your account he should have been more sympathetic. However it’s not going to take a grinning nice guy to clean up the Cook County mess. It will take someone who will offend fellow commissioners and shake things up. Todd Stroger will not do that.

The 14 yr old Croation orphan self made man vs. the underqualified Machine youth with the silver spoon in his mouth.

Comment by Tom Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:06 am
This will be a repeat of the primary. Chicago will deliver for Stroger, as well as Giannoulias, because qualifications are quaintly irrelevant.

Comment by T.J. Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:10 am
Peraica 53%
Stroger 47%

Cook County is in deep financial trouble, and is in real need of reform. If Todd Stroger is elected, the wasteful spending will continue and a massive tax increase is inevitable. Tony Peraica has been one of the leading voices of reason on the county board. As a Claypool supporter, I am supporting Peraica who has voted with Claypool almost 99% of the time. I beleive that Claypool will work with Peraica to reform the Cook County government. I do not trust any of the other commissioners to improve conditions in Cook County, especially the former reformer Mike Quigley and “Larry the Lobbyist” Suffredin. Please read Mark Brown’s excellent column in today’s Trib. It says it all about the Stroger camp’s lies about Peraica.

Comment by Jim Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 1:54 am
Here’s a dirty little secret that Todd Stroger does not want his liberal supporters to know: His father, John Stroger voted with George Dunn to END all elective abortions at Cook County Hospital in 1980. And in 1992, when Richard Phelan reinstated elective abortions at Cook County Hospital, two commissioners were opposed to his doing so: Lechowitz and John Stroger. In 1994 when he ran for board president, John Stroger declared that he was personally pro-life, but would not do anything to end the number of abortions at Cook County Hospital. John Stroger’s position was identical to Peraica’s. This is all on record. Look it up if you do not beleive it.

Comment by Mark Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:08 am
Mark….. You are shattering all illusions that lakefront liberals have for voting for Todd Stroger. For the sake of blind party voting, please stop!

Mr. Hickey, I know you appreciate all that is Machine, but Todd Stroger operated by John Daley and Bill Beavers isn’t going to implement any reforms. To do so would be an affront to his dad.

Comment by Tom Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 2:23 am
I believe the typical Chicago Democratic voter to be so one-party orientated, that Stroger wins by 1-2%. He shouldn’t, but democratic voters continually vote for the party, not the person. Then they complain that politics and politicians continually take them for granted, lie to them, etc. Well, my grandfather used to tell me “the voters have spoken….the dumb axxxes”.

And on a better note- CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! GO CRAZY FOLKS, GO CRAZY!

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:04 am
I believe the typical Chicago Democratic voter to be so one-party orientated, that Stroger wins by 1-2%. He shouldnâ€™t, but democratic voters continually vote for the party, not the person. Then they complain that politics and politicians continually take them for granted, lie to them, etc. Well, my grandfather used to tell me â€œthe voters have spokenâ€¦.the dumb axxxesâ€.

And on a better note- CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! GO CRAZY FOLKS, GO CRAZY!

Comment by Roy Slade Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:05 am
Hey Roy,
I am really tempted to retaliate with some downstate Illinois stereotypes. Ive heard a lot of good ones dealing with corn, sheep, etc.. but I’ll refrain until after the election. Remember without Chicago, Illinois is Iowa. I guess that you could move to Missouri but they have some medium sized urban areas there too. One thing about St. Louis after dark, You don’t have to worry about finding a parking space.
Out of respect for Reddbyrd,( I can’t believe Im writing this):
Go Cards.
Oh and by the way,It will be the Todd squad 54-46.

Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 20, 06 @ 8:25 am

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