32nd Ward Dispute Erupts Over Waguespack Snub of Quinn, Giannoulias

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 26, 2010 2:30PM

A press release from State Representative John Fritchey yesterday indicates a slight rift between 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and Fritchey over supporting the state Democratic ticket.

Fritchey's press release, written under his title as 32nd Ward Committeeman (and available here as a PDF file) condemns an October 12 email sent from Waguespack's "precinct coordinator" to the political director of the Cook County Democratic Party stating he would not endorse Pat Quinn for Governor or Alexi Giannoulias for Senator. Fritchey also said he was "especially troubled that the stated reason for the Alderman’s snub of the progressive candidates is the unfounded allegation that various Democratic Party members are supporting individuals who are contemplating running against Waguespack in the February, 2011 non-partisan municipal election" and found Waguespack's position "self-serving" and not in the interest of 32nd Ward residents.

Fritchey's press release is only slightly ironic, given that Waguespack was elected alderman in 2007 because 32nd Ward residents didn't believe the entrenched Democrats in power had their best interests in mind regarding zoning and rampant construction in the ward. Fritchey is also an attorney specializing in zoning law and a registered lobbyist with the city. It's also worth noting that the press release only gives Fritchey's take; we'd love to see the email Waguespack sent out

As of post time, Chicagoist is awaiting response to request for comment from Alderman Waguespack.

UPDATE: Waguespack responds. We just finished a phone call with Alderman Waguespack, who said that no e-mail was sent out on his behalf. "If there was an e-mail, it was by someone who doesn't speak for me.

"I've always supported Governor Quinn and State Treasurer Giannoulias"

Waguespack suggested that the e-mail in question may have been sent out by longtime political rabblerouser Frank Coconate. "But (Coconate) doesn't speak for me and doesn't work for my office," Waguespack said.

Waguespack said he hadn't seen Fritchey's press release, but isn't surprised by the tone. "John helped me behind the scenes when I ran for Alderman," he said. "But once I was elected, he wanted his guys in place for zoning matters and I said no."