This morning I voted in the 32nd ward in the Waguespack - Matlak aldermanic runoff election. It sure has been one crazy ride so far, with mud flying and even the Mayor of Berwyn weighing in for Scott Waguespack's good name.
My prediction: Waguespack puts the nail in the coffin of the Rostenkowski-Gabinski-Matlak machine regime.
(For non-Chicagoans: I live in the 5th congressional district of Illinois, currently represented by Rahm Emanuel, who followed current Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, some random republican in the GOP wave of 1994, and longtime House Ways and Means chairman Dan Rostenkowski (who was defeated due to some corruption scandal). The 32nd ward is represented by a guy named Ted Matlak, appointed to his position by Mayor Daley after serving as his predecessor's chief of staff and being a page for Dan Rostenkowski. Dan Rostenkowski's father was either a congressman or an alderman. The Rostenkowski organization has controlled the ward since the 1930s.
Other ward predictions and more 32nd ward history on the flip
The main beef with Matlak is that he will allow urban McMansions to be built anywhere (overriding zoning regulations is an aldermanic privelege) and also Matlak is unresponsive to constituent requests. The 32nd ward includes areas on the near north and northwest sides of the city that 20-30 years ago were gang ridden and dangerous but now are filled with yuppies and new housing. Half the ward's residents have moved in during the past 5 years and dont like monster houses going up.)
In the 43rd ward, I just dont see Michelle Smith defeating Vi (no relation to the Mayor) Daley.
In the 2nd ward, I see Fioretti displacing Haithcock.
In the 3rd ward, I see Dowell defeating Dorothy (The HAT!) Tillman...
I dont see Naisy Dolar defeating Bernie Stone.
I see Colon vs Colom staying the same: Colon winning.
Anyone else venture an opinion about whats going to happen? Any poll watching stories?
Let 'er rip!