The Case Against Rahm for Mayor

[Radical Activist]

This article overviews the usual grudges some progressives have with Rahm, but it also gets into more detail about why he'll be viewed skeptically by many Chicagoans as a candidate for mayor. His ties to the Daley machine could be a liability at a time when Chicago voters are increasingly supporting reform candidates.

http://progressillinois.com/posts/content/2010/09/09/case-against-rahm

Conclusion

Throughout his nearly 20-year career in politics, Emanuel has spent virtually no time working at the municipal level. That makes it nearly impossible to predict with any accuracy what type of issues he'd prioritize as the mayor of Chicago. The best we can do this early in the game is guess. We know that as a congressmen and party operative, Rahm has a history of liberal moderation. As he raises money for an expensive campaign and gets his feet wet on the fifth floor should he win, he's also likely to rely on the same financial and political insiders who have disproportionately benefited from Daley's tenure.

Emanuel won't carry the familial legacy or personal relationships the current mayor has, which could create space for a bit more independence on the City Council. But for progressives ready to turn the page on the Daley dynasty and focus more energy and resources supporting the city's struggling neighborhoods, its going to take a lot of promises from Rahm to earn their vote.

[qazplm]

1. I thought everyone wanted Rahm to leave

now we hate him so much we don't want him to be mayor?

[Radical Activist]

4. A lot of people who don't live in Chicago are weighing in.

However, they don't get a vote on the matter.

[Me.]

2. No, No, No

Don't do anything to discourage his move out of the WH

[depakid]

3. From what I know about how Chicago has been run over the years

Rahm sounds like a perfect fit.

[Radical Activist]

6. I'm sure you're an expert.

[tularetom]

5. Can that kind of talk - we don't necessarily want him to BE mayor

We just want him to quit his current job so he can RUN for mayor.

I don't care if he quits to run for dogcatcher, as long as he quits.

[frazzled]

7. I can't think of anyone currently said to be in the running ...

that I can make a good case for. Not even Gutierrez or any of the Jackson family. Certainly not Meeks (with his anti-gay stances). Maybe Tom Dart, but also maybe not.

At least Emmanuel is colorful, which is actually not a bad trait for a big-city mayor (attention helps), and he gets stuff done.

Why don't we Chicagoans actually wait to see who actually throws their hat into the ring before we get our panties in a twist. Then let's listen to what they have to say. Then let's see who raises enough money and gets enough voters mobilized. This is hardball politics here. I'm not expecting a David Hoffman type to step in and win (I tried that during the Senate primary.)

[Radical Activist]

8. Really? Are you from Chicago?

I take Tom Dart more seriously than Rahm.

[frazzled]

11. Yes

I'm going to wait and see where some people I actually respect in politics here go with this.

[Safetykitten]

9. I would move out of that city on the rumor of him running.

[Swamp Rat]

10. The Case Against Rahm for Dog Catcher

I could think of one, but I'll settle for him leaving politics all together and leave Chicago up to Chicagoans.

[TheKentuckian]

12. Optimally, he'd leave and get his ass kicked in the primary.

Rahm should be far away from power of any sort.