Chicago Insider/Radio Host Jim Laski Predicts that Illinois Elections will be a Barometer of Obama’s Power.


Commenting on the announcement this week that Chicago Mayor Richard M Daley won’t seek reelection Laski said it was “wide open field” and that this is the first time since 1947 that an incumbent Chicago Mayor is not seeking re-election. He also noted that while Rahm Emanuel is considering running for the vacant Mayoral spot, he is not a “shoo in and has lots of competition.” He doesn’t think that Emanuel has a political base in Chicago to make a serious run for the office, and that the Obama connection may not be as valuable to Chicago voters that he thinks.

“The Chicago Way works in Chicago but not in Washington, and Emanuel has built up an enemy list. There won’t be a lot of tears for Emanuel when he leaves Washington.”

Laski suggested that Hispanics, African-Americans, Caucasians, and every other group are making plans to run a candidate that will represent their constituency. The only thing going for any Democratic candidate is that “Chicago doesn’t believe in Republicans yet.”

Laski is convinced that the Mayoral election will be more about Obama’s power and clout in Chicago than about Emanuel’s ability to win. “It will be a barometer for Obama’s power if Emanuel loses and if the Republican candidate Mark Kirk wins Obama’s former seat.”

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One Response to “Chicago Insider/Radio Host Jim Laski Predicts that Illinois Elections will be a Barometer of Obama’s Power.”
  1. Harold says:

    Chicago doesn’t believe in integrity yet

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