Vallas a Possible Republican Contender for Cook County Board
So deep is my loathing of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger that I read this article thinking, ‘Yep, I’d vote for him. Vote for him. Never heard of him, but I’d vote for him.’
Former Chicago Public School CEO Paul Vallas is considering challenging Stroger as a Republican in 2010.
“I really believe that it’s almost impossible to run as an independent or as a reform candidate through the Democratic Party,” Vallas said. “At the end of the day, if you’re going to be a reform candidate, particularly in Cook County…it becomes more realistic and more practical to run as a Republican.”
Well, it seems as though Vallas could consider a third party or running as an independent, but his point about the Democratic Party in the county is well-taken. He does have the name recognition to run on an alternative ticket, though he may benefit from what little structure there is to the CC Republican Party.
It’ll be freaking (though unfathomably) difficult to beat Stroger in the primary because he’s got money and (unbelievable to the point of making me pull my hair out) support from sectors of the city (notably 8th Ward).
Claypool’s pondering another crack at Stroger in the primary, but he’d just about seal his fate as a guy who can’t win elections if he loses the primary a second time.
Here’s what Stroger (largely mediated through the Tribune) had to say about his potential challengers.
Stroger contended Vallas, whose family still lives in Palos Heights, has been working in New Orleans and “doesn’t know any of the things we have done.” He also accused Claypool of being an obstructionist.
Honey, everyone knows the ‘things [you] have done’; everyone hates them.
Ugh, every time I see/hear from him I just want to scream, ‘Exist somewhere else!’
Though, to be fair, since the Tribune is running a countdown until his primary on their Ed page, it’s hard to know if they’re choosing the cringe-worthiest of the quotes.
I went to a forum last night on reforming corruption in Illinois. It’s difficult to know where to start, I know, but getting some of the cash out of this race - in addition to some serious electoral reform - would be one of the top items on my list.
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February 5th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I found myself looking for a Chicago blog wanting to complain about the City Of Chicago. The first blog I came across was this one. How quickly I wanted to jet when among the first lines I read ‘Yep, I’d vote for him. Vote for him. Never heard of him, but I’d vote for him.’
I read no more!!!!!!
Needless to say, as a long time Chicagoan, I did not want to read this in any “Chicago” blog.
If you’re going to complain about Chicago, you should have already spent some time here!!!
Good Luck on Your “Chicago” blog
February 5th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
While I think you may have misinterpreted somewhat the sentence that stopped you reading, I appreciate you taking the time to comment nonetheless.
Thanks for sharing and the good wishes!