Report: Bill Daley Likely To Run For Obama's Senate Seat
The potential field of candidates for President Obama's Senate seat -- for which Roland Burris may or may not be running -- keeps on growing.
The Hill reports that Bill Daley, former Commerce Secretary under Bill Clinton, is on the verge of entering the race for President Obama's former Senate seat. Daley is the brother of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and son of the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.
Daley was also a co-chairman of Obama's presidential campaign, and has reportedly spoken to top political talent including Larry Grisolano -- who works for David Axelrod and David Plouffe's campaign firm, AKPD Message and Media.
Meanwhile, state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has already filed paperwork for an exploratory committee, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky has also been mulling a bid in the Democratic primary.
Josh
Matt
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Brian
That basically makes him the front runner then at this point. Burris is going to have a very difficult time. Understated to say the least.
March 5, 2009 3:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
A Daley might win through sheer power of organization and money, but this is more likely to infect the entire Democratic side with the Chicago Blagojevich/Stroger taint. Illinois Republicans have not yet, as far as I can tell, been able to capitalize on the Blago mess. This will allow all of the charges of Chicago Machine corruption to be placed front and center during the primary AND the general. Not a good idea.
March 5, 2009 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Amen... Considering that this true-blue liberal is sick of living under Daley rule, the Illinois GOP will be licking their chops.
I'd also suggest that this seeming slam-dunk shot could turn into a terrific foul play, should Patrick Fitzgerald finally hit paydirt on Daley. He's been on the case of Chicago's Emperor since before anyone had heard of Valerie Flame.
Another possible thorn? The Daleys are ridiculously invested in Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics. If they fail to win that prize, it could be for reasons not exactly favorable to Chicago. Namely, the false belief that Chicago's infrastructure - especially its troubled transit system - are adequate. In fact, the entire city is suffering diminishing returns, despite having the highest municipal tax rate in the U.S., no thanks to Daley's beloved TIFs. Schools/parks/libraries - you name it - are struggling because Daley pours so much tax revenue into the hands of developers and corporate interests.
March 5, 2009 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've lived in Chicago since 1987, and have never voted for Daley for mayor.
And Ben Joravsky (the Chicago Reader) deserves a Pulitzer (or at least it's local equivalent) for his work on Daley's abuse of the TIF program.
March 5, 2009 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
AMEN, again!!! Though I've only been here since 1996, I've never voted for Daley either. Also, Joravsky is a treasure. The nation should just be grateful that he only focuses his laser eye on Chicago politics. He's the best - and his TIF work definitely deserves a Pulitzer.
March 5, 2009 9:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not in the mood for family dynasties. Let all the Bushes and Daleys stay away from elections for a while.
Jeb was on the wire last week; I took off a shoe and tried to figure out where to throw it.
Are there no more enterprising young people like Obama ready to run ? We need someone who attracts support on his own - not because his old man's entourage does not feel like retiring.
March 5, 2009 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink