Chicagoist: Foot Soldiers

clueless

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:30:58 -0600

On Feb. 3, Kevin wrote: After the elections are over, the campaign will have a fundraiser to cancel the debt incurred over the course of the race, or another candidate that is carrying a surplus will write the debt off. Is that what's going to happen, Kevin? Really? In just one fundraiser? Are Dolar and Aftab expected to bail him out? Still waiting for the blog post where you concede that you don't have a clue about politics. Thanks!

mms

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:31:22 -0600

Kevin: A few things. In addition to the boots on the ground the unions will often put money into a candidate's fund, but its doubtful that the unions will give much more in the way of cash because Brewer as such a large debt is there is fear that he will use it to pay down his debt as opposed to putting it in his campaign. Brewer's low donor count indicates that he won't be able to rely on contributions to pay down his debt AND THAT IS A HUGE CONCERN TO THE UNIONS WHO BACKED HIM. SEIU is most likely thanking their lucky stars they did not get caught up in this mess, and that is what it is. Additionally, if he were to end up in a run off, he will most likely have to increase his debt because he has donor base to rely on replenish his coffers. He has been paying AC $4,000 a month, since July and he is also paying Owen and Dooley, if you look at his D-2's that is very top heavy and very wasteful. You would like to think for all the cash he is spend on paid staff they would have helped him raise more the $10,000, that is a sign of a lazy candidate and a lazy staff. If Aftab, who has been busted for a hate crime, has raised $22,000. Sure other candidates loan themselves money, however it is usually a fraction of their total fund, not over 80% of it. Brendan Reilly has loaned himself a significant amount of money, however its less than a quarter of his overall balance. We can argue this point, but in the coming month we will see how it shakes out.

Kevin

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:30:23 -0600

yd and mms: I'm not sure why you think that Brewer has no support? Because he made a personal loan to his own campaign? It's not uncommon for candidates to make personal loans to their own campaigns, and as far as I know, it's perfectly legal. After the elections are over, the campaign will have a fundraiser to cancel the debt incurred over the course of the race, or another candidate that is carrying a surplus will write the debt off. As for "the unions", that money came out of PAC and COPE funds, which are separate from dues collected from the general membership. PAC and COPE money is only spent on a candidate after members of the committee that steers the fund vote to make the expenditure. There is generally a comprehensive vetting process that goes on before one of those funds parts with resources. Most unions won't put money and time into a candidate unless they have determined that they will get something out of it in the long run.

mms

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:08:24 -0600

$85,000.00 in loans? I wonder if the unions are regretting endorsing a candidate who has no support and who will use the money to pay off his loans. Jeeze!

yd

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 09:25:56 -0600

whoa 85k... how is he going to repay his loans? did the unions realize this before their endorsement? if i were the unions, i'd be wondering where my money is heading.

Rapporteur

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 22:55:24 -0600

Brewer also has the distinct advantage of being able to give his campaign an $85,000 boost from his own pocket! If that's not dedication, I don't know what is. He's his own biggest fan.

Carter

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:39:27 -0600

Signs don't vote! Matlak is going down because he votes with the mayor 100% of the time, and because the 32nd Ward doesn't need a yes-man flunkie, they need some new blood who has a more holistic vision for the ward outside of "You say want to build a bigger cinderblock building? Fabulous idea, let me grease the zoning process for you!"

TanyaK

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:27:31 -0600

Greg Brewer is arrogant and dismissive. His campaign manager -- a hired gun from out of state -- has already offended many voters in the ward. He recently tried to prevent Greg from speaking at a community forum--the residents had to shame Greg into agreeing to participate. That doesn't bode well for how responsive Greg will be to the community. I decided to support Naisy because I'm sick of Stone, and I saw all the other challengers in person (some more than twice). She is honest, hardworking, and will be great in truly listening to the residents and helping improve life in the neighborhood.

BrewFan

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:51:16 -0600

At least Greg Brewer has the distinct advantage of being honest about his credentials and qualifications!

BrewFan

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:10:22 -0600

At least Greg Brewer has the distinct advantage of being honest about his credentials and qualifications!

BrewFan

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:47:25 -0600

Greg Brewer has the distinct advantage of being truthful about his credentials and qualifications!

Janine

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:19:23 -0600

I see Naisy Dolar's cheerleading team is at it again. Funny that her supporters have to chime in and promote her because no respected journalists will. I'm sure Naisy is a nice girl, but she's not qualified to be alderman.

Paul

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:55:18 -0600

Soliders?

kl

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:18:06 -0600

Naisy Dolar is another high profiled candidate in the 50th Ward. She already has received support from prominent leaders. She's tough, articulate, personable, AND already has the qualifications and experience to get the job done in the ward and City Hall! Naisy Dolar for 50th Ward Alderman!

dw

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:38:44 -0600

Nobody has explained to me why labor would help take out Matlak, who voted FOR the big-box wage rule, if I'm not mistaken. What did Ted do to make labor mad? Also -- go Scott! But where are your yard signs? Matlak has all kinds of signs up around the 32nd. I haven't seen any for Scott. Is the thinking that signs don't matter?