Chicago Daily Observer

“The Three Stooges” have been resurrected in the Democratic
primary for state senator in the Northwest Side 20th District.
But instead of Moe, Larry and Curly, the three alleged buffoons are
Rich, Iris and Rod. State Representative Rich Bradley (D-40) is
challenging State Senator Iris Martinez (D-20), and the antics of
Governor Rod Blagojevich have emerged as the central issue.

A “stooge” is defined as an underling to another, and is a term
of contempt. Martinez holds Bradley in contempt, deeming him a Madigan
Monkey, stooge of Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, and do-nothing
legislator. Bradley holds Martinez in contempt, deeming her a Rod
Rooter, stooge of Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, and slavish
supporter of the governor. She “is generally supportive” of
Blagojevich, Martinez admits.

Bradley switched to the Senate race ... Read More...

As the Oct. 29 filing deadline approaches, area political circles are awash with rumor, bluff, duplicity, deceit, and creeping paranoia – all the usual political nonsense.

Here’s an early summary:

In Chicago’s 50th Ward, which encompasses West Rogers Park, basic instincts are unsheathed and unrestrained.

From the perspective of 79-year old Bernie (who spells his name Berny) Stone, a fading political icon who has been alderman since 1973, the 2008 Democratic committeeman race is all about self-perpetuation. If he loses his committeeman’s post, he’ll be a political eunuch, unable to either plausibly run for re-election in 2011, or to hand off the aldermanic job to his daughter, Ilana Stone Feketitsch, who is his chief-of-staff.

From the perspective of ambitious, 47-year old State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-8), who proudly claims that “Berny has been my mentor,” the 2008 committeeman’s race is all about self-preservation. Silverstein aspires to the Illinois Senate’

The ... Read More...