So Emanuel's seat will be open in Chicago...

[Truth2Tell]

Rahm Emanuel goes to the White House. Goody for him. Now we can maybe get a real progressive Representative from the 5th Congressional district in Illinois. Here's my choice:

Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney



By all accounts Tunney is a true anti-war progressive and an intelligent, down to earth candidate.

http://www.44thward.org/index.htm">Check out his 44th Ward Website here.

Elected on February 25, 2003 as Chicago's first openly gay alderman, Tom's vision includes serving his constituents as a full-time, full-service alderman by alleviating congestion in the ward, limiting property taxes for seniors and long-term residents and improving education for our children so that young families remain in Lakeview. In his first year as alderman of the 44th Ward, Tom introduced sweeping zoning reforms for several business and residential properties in the ward.

-snip

Tom's public service record includes being the former chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association, founder and former president of the Lakeview Center Business Association and founding board member and former chairman of the White Crane Senior Center. He established "Restaurant Nights" at Illinois Masonic Hospital to serve meals to AIDS patients and their families and was the former fund-raising chair for Impact, a gay and lesbian political action organization. Additionally, Tom was the former chair of the small business subcommittee for the City of Chicago's Economic Development Committee, and served on Mayor Daley's Parking Task Force...

Tom, 52 years old, was born and raised in Chicago. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his master's degree from Cornell University. Tom has been a resident of the Lakeview neighborhood for over 25 years.

A few more links:

http://www.lakeviewaction.org/meeting_with_alderman_tom_tunney.htm">Homeless youth and police relations

http://www.lakeviewchamber.com/site/epage/34541_512.htm">Community directed development

http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-career-development/1225-1.html">Part Restaurateur, Part Community Activist, Part Philanthropist

On top of all this, Tunney help pass a resolution in January 2003 putting the City of Chicago on record opposing the invasion of Iraq.

Here's the catch: Alderman Tunney doesn't yet know that his destiny is to seek this office.

I'm sending him an email and calling his office tomorrow to see if there's any interest. Maybe a few calls or emails from DUers and other progressives would help light a fire.

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

It's worth a shot. This Emanuel appointment could have a silver lining. The 5th district could end up with the representation it deserves.

PS: I assume there will be an appointment after the Rahmmer leaves. Maybe we need to press Blagojevich? After Tunney agrees of course. :)

[Ken Burch]

1. The best part is, it'd make Rahm crazy to see this guy take the seat.

:evilgrin:

[Truth2Tell]

10. Yep, although my bet is Rahm has someone

in mind already. And he's just the kind of guy who will see to it that his chosen successor gets all the support imaginable from the DCCC.

[madrchsod]

2. yes... that is a "silver lining"

the more progressives in illinois the better! we finally rid the 14th of the milk nazi from ever running again...the rethugs out here will have to find a candidate that is at least-"likable":rofl:

[Muttocracy]

3. I like that silver lining thinking - Rahm out of policy, put in a progressive! nt

[magellan]

4. Thank you for this thread!

I've been thinking the same thing the whole day, that we might benefit with a progressive taking over his House seat, but I didn't understand the mechanics.

Question: I read this thread today -- http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4395820&mesg_id=4395820 (and I see from reading the OP again that I completely misunderstood the shuffle going on) -- saying there's a Senate seat in Illinois up for grabs and that Emanuel's move to Chief of Staff frees that seat for Jesse Jackson Jr. Is this true, because if so it's good.

Also, what's the explanation for a congressman being moved to the Senate? I've never heard of this.

[Truth2Tell]

5. I think the Gov gets to appoint both

a new Senator and a new Rep for the remainder of the terms (to replace Obama and Emanuel). If he appoints JJJ to the Senate, then he would get to appoint two new Reps.

[magellan]

6. Oh duh, I'm really running on fumes today

I completely forgot that Obama is leaving a vacancy!! DOH.

Thanks for explaining it in terms even I can understand. I'm taking my stuffed up head off to bed now! :hi:

[ColbertWatcher]

7. Kick. n/t

[The Magistrate]

8. A Decent Fellow, Sir, But Lakeview Is Not In The District

Rep. Emanuel's district in in the northwest of the city, and laps over into the inner ring of suburbs there, if recollection serves.

[Truth2Tell]

9. Incorrect my friend. Lakeview is indeed in the 5th District.

The purple in the map below is the 5th CD.

Lakeview is adjacient to hwy 41 north of Lincoln Park. All of Tunney's Ward is in the 5th CD, as is all of Lakeview.

[Truth2Tell]

11. kick