And They’re Off!

Carol Moseley Braun
The first and only African-American woman in the United States Senate and a multiple term member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Braun is a substantial challenger for the mayoral throne, or at least she should be. I’m not sure exactly whose corn flakes she pissed in, but no one from the Democrat political establishment seems very interested in her bid. Sure, she magically lost a quarter million dollars in campaign funds in the early 90s and called George Will a racist for leveling corruption charges against her, but these aren’t things that other candidates – like Danny Davis – haven’t done.

She’s already come out hard against Emmanuel, blasting him for raising money for his election by tapping friends in Los Angeles. Maybe she wishes she had some friends at all.

Miguel Del Valle
Current City Clerk Miguel Del Valle was appointed to his post by King Daley II in 2006, though was elected to the spot in 2007. Before that he served roughly two decades in the Illinois General Assembly. He seems to be the only serious contender coming from the Latino community which, unlike the African-America community, is not fielding a large number of candidates.

That being said, I will still be shocked if he actually makes it to the run-off elections. He came out of the gate really hard, but in the end he’s still a part of the old Daley Machine. Very few people have any kind of sentimental feelings for that lumbering beast. Still, there’s a chance he could surprise everyone, especially if he can tap into the Latino voter base.

Gery Chico
Teddy Roosevelt had Taft, and Richard M. Daley has Gery Chico. He began as chief of staff for King Daley II. After a three year stint there Daley proceeded to make him president of the Board of Trustees of Chicago Public Schools, president of the Board of Commissioners for the Chicago Park District and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago.

I can already hear Chico supporters screaming. Yes, I know that some of those leadership positions are spots that he must be elected to by either aldermen or members of said board. I also know that nothing much happens in Chicago without Daley’s tacit approval.

Daley has refused to endorse anyone in the race, but has had nothing but glowing reviews for Chico. For that reason alone I figure he’s dead in the water.