The Obama campaign machinery is being tuned up for the President's 2012 re-election campaign. Sun-Times Washington Bureau chief Lynn Sweet reports that Obama will be hosting a series of events across the country in donor cities very lucrative for Democratic fundraising to officially kick off the Obama 2012 campaign. The Obama 2012 team will also call the Prudential Building its headquarters. The new location is steps from Obama's 2008 campaign HQ and overlooks Grant Park, which famously hosted Obamapalooza. more ›

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Patty Solis Doyle, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager and sister of 25th Ward Alderman Danny Solis, stepped down Sunday after a string of primary losses to Barack Obama. She will be replaced by Maggie Williams, who had been working in an informal top role on the campaign since Obama won Iowa. Solis Doyle cited the extraordinary length of the campaign, and the toll that it was taking on her and her family. Shortly after Solis Doyle sent an email to campaign staff announcing her departure, Clinton issued a statement that read, in part, "this already has been the longest presidential campaign in history and one that has required enormous sacrifices of everyone and our families. I look forward to her continued advice in the months ahead." more ›

In a Sun-Times exclusive, the Bright One is citing sources that confirm that Barack Obama is the unnamed "political candidate" mentioned in the 78 page document detailing the fraud and corruption case against Tony Rezko. By now we're all aware of the questionable land deal between Obama and Rezko, as well as the $168,000 in campaign donations from Rezko over the years ($44,000 of which have been donated to charity), and their overall longtime friendship. But this latest revelation just gets a "meh" from us, despite the big story the Sun-Times is trying to make it out to be. Why the indifference? Because unlike "Public Official A", the tiny paragraph mentioning the "political candidate" doesn't indicate any wrongdoing. Although any instance of having Obama's name brought up in the same sentence as Rezko at this point can't be a positive for the campaign. In a written response to questions, the Obama camp continued to deny knowledge of any Rezko shenanigans. more ›

While the politicians in Springfield keep fighting with each other over the impending deterioration of our ability to actually get around our city, Barack Obama was getting down with Oprah Winfrey (and raising big bucks) in California this weekend. 1500 people showed up at Oprah's estate in Montecito, Calif., on Saturday night to dine on mini-hamburgers, chicken tenders, and corn on the cob, to dance to the musical stylings of Stevie Wonder, and to give... more ›

One person is dead and three others are injured after a collision between a car and a Chicago Transit Authority bus. The car hit the bus at a high rate of speed after midnight. Our second favorite ex-President, Bill Clinton went on the Oprah show (aired on Tuesday) and downplayed his role in the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. We'd be happy to have him as a first hubby. Walgreen... more ›

In the ludicrous horse race that the 2008 presidential campaign has devolved into, much of the charisma and ideas that pushed Barack Obama to become a candidate in the first place have been lost in the "reporting" of the money and power-grabbing of this most early of seasons. At this early juncture, handicapping and speculation are a fool's game, although that hasn't stopped many from trying. Along the way, we've been treated to such spectacles... more ›

By now it comes as no surprise to followers of politics that one of the most valuable assets in Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign is his wife Michelle. Her demeanor, accessibility and professional pedigree are invaluable to her husband's aspirations. As the Senator's campaign has shifted into higher gear, Mrs. Obama has gradually trained her energies on helping her husband win the Democratic nomination next year. She's taken a leave of absence from her job as Vice President for Community and External Affairs for the University of Chicago Hospitals. But it was her resignation from the board of directors at Treehouse Foods yesterday that may help her husband further in the campaign. more ›

Chicagoist has a confession to make. Sometimes we sit around and think about what actors will star in the George Ryan trial made for TV movie. We’re hoping it will be on CourtTV and star Brian Dennehy as Ryan. Scott Fawell would, of course, play himself. more ›

If you want to help Hillary Clinton raise funds for her 2006 senate reelection campaign, which is probably slang for her 2008 presidential campaign, then you have two opportunities to help out Chicago's favorite daughter who now represents another state. Clinton will be attending a fundraiser at crobar this coming Saturday night between 8:30 and 11 PM. If that wasn't enough for you to plop down your hard earned cash, Biz Markie will be... more ›

It seems that whenever anybody meets Senator Obama they act like a smitten schoolboy who just discovered he has “special feelings” for the girl sitting next to him in class. Heck, it even happened to America’s second richest man, investor extraordinaire Warren Buffett. more ›

Earlier this week Chicagoist pointed out that testimony detailing George Ryan walking around with wads of cash brought to mind images of Ryan as a pimp. Then Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm comes along and takes it a step further by alluding to Ryan being a prostitute. more ›

God damn tomorrow cannot come fast enough. Pre-election anxiety + post-Halloween hangover + drizzly Monday = craptacular, any way you slice it. If it were up to us, today would be national Cuddle on the Couch in Pajamas and Watch TV Day, but alas, the party wheels keep on turning. Tonight and tomorrow, there's plenty election action to keep you busy. Here are a few to get you started: more ›