The 2015 Chicago mayoral and aldermanic elections are a mere 37 months – or about 1,125 days – away. But a smart and ambitious politician does not let the proverbial grass grow under his or her feet.

Catalyzed by the city council’s ward redraw, which passed with 41 votes on Jan. 19, aldermanic contests are underway in many wards, and one displaced alderman is poised to run against Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
In the 38th Ward, Alderman Tim Cullerton (38th) will …

It’s better to be silent, and be thought a fool, than to speak, and prove it.
That same adage, juxtaposed, applies to politics: Better to do nothing, and be thought beatable, than do something, and prove it.

 
Unfortunately for 20-year state representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-65), of Des Plaines, doing next to nothing in her nominating petition drive proved something: that her personal and political organizations have dramatically atrophied, that she’s become a “paper tiger,” and that she’s eminently beatable in 2012. “She’s not focused, not energetic and not organized,” grumbled one of …

Normally, in a political race, the proverbial “best” candidate wins. That definitely won’t occur in Illinois’ 2nd congressional district’s 2012 Democratic primary, where the candidate with the least-worst bad judgment will prevail.

In the March 20 contest between black U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2) and white former U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson (D-11), their respective judgmental ability, or lack thereof, is the paramount issue.
Jackson, age 45, son of the fading civil rights leader, used his eponymous name to get …

You read it here first: Bombastic U.S. Representative Joe Walsh (R-8), the Tea Party’s fervent cause celebre and the liberals’ bete noire, is running for either Illinois governor or U.S. senator in 2014.

And the yellow brick road to statewide office begins in the newly-created 8th congressional district, nestled in Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs, where Walsh has opted to run for a second term in 2012. “I’ve done everything I can to reverse the failed polices of Obama and Pelosi,” said Walsh in his …

“Justice” is supposed to be blind. Unfortunately, so are the voters that elect the judges who dispense that “justice.”

 
Unlike a commercial transaction, one cannot kick tires, compare prices, or get a refundable warranty when picking judges. Once nominated in the Democratic primary in Cook County, they are automatically elected, and serve for life, or until they earn their 85 percent pension and retire. They appear on the ballot periodically for retention.
It’s called the “pig in a poke” syndrome. Brainpower, experience and/or judicial temperament matter not.
Superficiality prevails. Gender, race, ballot position, …

This column strives to be entertaining, but it’s still a political analysis. However, if it were a movie review, I’d be critiquing the just-released 47th Ward’s “Man Show,” the 45th Ward’s “No Show,” the 38th Ward’s “Dumb Show,” and the 49th Ward’s “Family Show.”

Last week, the “stupid and futile gestures” of county candidates were explored. As a rating, a S&FG of “0” means brilliant avoidance, while a “10” means political idiocy. Here’s an analysis of contests for Democratic ward committeeman.
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Remember that classic scene in the “Animal House” movie where the demoralized frat boys, having been expelled by the evil Dean Wormer, boisterously decide that it’s time for one last “stupid and futile gesture”?
Now that Illinois’ political filing period has closed, and the candidate field set, here is this column’s “stupid and futile gesture” ranking of aspiring contenders, with the range traversing from the highest, a “10,” signifying a candidate who is utterly brain dead and awaiting embalming, to a “0,” indicating a candidate …

Illinois’ very own “Wizard of Oz” – also known as Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan – has a quaint idea: Democratic nominees for state representative should be chosen by him, not the voters.

“It’s an appoint and anoint mentality,” acidly observed Jeff Smith, a Democratic candidate in the north suburban 17th House District. “Madigan picks the candidates. Madigan funds the candidates. And, when they make it to Springfield, Madigan tells them how to vote,” added Smith.
“I’m running to democratize the Illinois House,” stressed Smith, who will make Madigan’s thumb the central …

Illinois is the “most bankrupt state in the nation,” asserts Dan Rutherford, the Republican state treasurer. According to his office, Illinois’ indebtedness is a staggering $192.1 billion, almost four times the annual budget of $53 billion. “That debt is the highest in the nation,” said Rutherford.

“We are spending $3 for every $2 in revenue,” said the treasurer, with a $12 billion annual structural budget deficit – expenditures over revenues. “And the solution of our current governor is to borrow more money, delay payment of state bills, and raise taxes.”
Despite the …

Illinois’ upscale North Shore 10th congressional district has always been perversely contrarian and counter-cyclical.
Its voters elect Republicans in big Democratic years (2006, 2008), barely elect Democrats in huge Democratic years (1974), and barely elect Republicans in big Republican years (2010). They have a demonstrable affinity for socially liberal/fiscally conservative Republicans over liberal Democrats. And, when there is a popular Republican congressman, like John Porter (1979-2000) or Mark Kirk (2001-2010), a flock of formidable Democrats spend millions of dollars for the privilege of losing.

But, when there is a weak, beatable Republican …