Russ Stewart: Action at a minimum in 2005 suburban races

[Tweed]

http://www.russstewart.com/2-9-05.htm

"The voters in the suburban municipalities surrounding Chicago are no different than their urban brethren. If there's action -- such as a serious political controversy, a major fiscal crisis or a gaggle of candidates -- they turn out. If not, they ignore the election.

Chicago, according to the 2000 census, had a population of 2,896,016. In the 2003 mayoral election, when Mayor Rich Daley faced desultory opposition, only 442,782 voters -- just 15.2 percent of the population and about 27 percent of the registered voter pool -- participated in the nonpartisan mayoral election. That is a decline from 524,778 in 1999, 596,516 in 1995, 633,148 in 1991 and 1,006,174 in 1989, when Daley first won. As Daley consolidated his grip on City Hall, and as his opposition looked increasingly lame, voters perceived the obvious: He's the winner. So why bother to vote?

However, back when racial politics dominated Chicago, turnout peaked at 1,156,707 in 1983. If Daley, who will be completing 18 years as mayor when his term expires in 2007, should decide to retire, a crowded election would surely ensue, featuring a plethora of white, black and Hispanic contenders. Turnout would certainly soar to over one million.

Here's a look at some 2005 suburban contests:

Niles: Daley's father, Richard J. Daley, served as mayor for 21 years, and the mayor could surpass that longevity record if he wins another term in 2007 and serves through 2011. But both pale in comparison to Nick Blase, the mayor of Niles, who was first elected in 1961 and who is concluding 44 years in that post. Blase, a political icon, is unopposed in the April 5 election."

44 years as mayor? Wow... More good info in the article, a true crash course in suburban politics if you will.