Results tagged “campaign”

The idea of Mayor Daley seeking reelection in 2011 and the effect the 2016 Olympic race will have on it has been a topic of conversation around the Chicagoist office keg water cooler for a few months now. If Chicago wins the Games, would he retire and focus solely on that? Or would he be so drained by losing the Games that he'd choose to step back? Of course, this is a Daley we're talking about here so the Mayoral Monarchy would be threatened. But it's been a topic of conversation that's also picked up a little buzz city-wide and now WBEZ takes a look at Daley's campaign cash to see if there are any clues. Their conclusion? There aren't any, really, especially given his usual election routine - "Keep in mind, the big Daley money rolls in closer to the election." - but it's still an interesting peek into the Mayors coffers and worth a look.

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk ended all the speculation today and formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois that's up for grabs next year. He's wasting no time, either, with his campaign website now live and featuring a campaign video of sorts that takes Blago and Burris to task. Speaking to WLS this morning, Kirk said, "I think this is the chance to put forward a strong candidacy, to renew the two-party system in Illinois, but maybe most importantly restore ethics and integrity to Illinois government. We're just a laughingstock in Washington." Kirk is not expected to have any stiff competition from within his own party in the primary.

It's not illegal, but the fact Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s campaign has paid his aldermanic wife Sandi (7th) over half-a-million dollars since 2001 certainly does raise eyebrows. The campaign has paid her $247,500 since 2001 including $95,000 since she became an alderman in 2007. On top of that, there's also $298,927 of cash and contributions to Sandi's campaign. Still, while it seems to push the boundaries of ethical behavior, there's nothing illegal about it. A spokesman for Jesse Jackson told Bloomberg via email, “Congressman Jackson and Alderman Jackson are each other’s biggest supporters...[they] do their best to follow all federal, state and local rules, laws and ethic codes." Bloomberg has the full story. [via NBC 5]

Photo by efroten
• Eight people were hurt, some seriously but none life-threatening, in a multiple car accident on the Northwest Side this morning that involved a Fire Department ambulance
• Internet muckraker Matt Drudge is reporting that representatives from three newspapers that have endorsed McCain are being booted from the Obama campaign pool. Some reports are that room is being made for documentary filmmakers or for major television reporters.
• Test results were revealed today for the state's schools. Both the Trib and the Sun-Times have rundowns of the report.