Ald. Danny Solis (25th) may have to face a runoff in Pilsen if a federal appeals court decides to overturn his 2007 election to the office. The election two years ago hinged on 178 votes originally cast for disgraced candidate Ambrosio Medrano, who was disqualified by the Illinois Supreme Court for his felony conviction a mere four days before the late February vote. Solis won, but by a tally of only 49.95 percent. more ›

So much has happened in politics this week, all across our little city. From the ministers in the West Loop, to construction and development on the South Side, to Top Cops Downtown getting notice in DC, it's like Chicago is just one big happy village, people. Let's take a look: Blago's Budget Puts Him in Touch With God. Governor Rod Blagojevich is on a "crusade," bringing tax fairness, education and health care to all of... more ›

The story of hope and redemption on the South Side continued Friday, as the news that the Illinois State Supreme Court had ruled that both Ambrosio Medrano and Virgil Jones are ineligible to run for alderman. Even more bizarre is that because the court's ruling makes no mention of Wallace Davis, a former 27th Ward alderman and candidate in the 2nd Ward, and Percy Giles in the 37th Ward, the city election board has no... more ›

It seems like everyone is running for their old seat this year. Ambrosio Medrano in the 25th, Virgil Jones in the 15th Percy Giles in the 37th, and Wallace Davis Jr in the 2nd, all want their old jobs back. Add to that list former 35th Ward alderman Vilma Colom, (the only one, at least on this list), that didn't lose her job to a corruption conviction. more ›

The race in the 25th Ward has been making the news a lot lately, with both Danny Solis and Ambrosio Medrano taking shots at one another, and each camp doing the backstage maneuvering that goes on in Chicago politics. This is what happens when two experienced politicians take each other on for an important seat in the city council. Although largely associated with Pilsen, the 25th Ward encompasses parts of Chinatown, Tri-Taylor, and Heart of Chicago, and the six challengers to Danny Solis reflect more on the power struggle going on in the Mexican community in that ward (and to a lesser extent in the 22nd Ward) than any specific discontent by residents. more ›

Much has been made about this being the year of change here in Chicago. In November Democrats took control of Congress, harnessing voter dissatisfaction and promising change. And while the main attractions on the reform ticket, Tony Peraica and Jesse Jackson Jr either lost or decided not to run, many pundits are predicting that as much as 30% of the City Council could change in late February. It seems that some candidates believe in miracles,... more ›