By now we've all read of Rahm Emanuel's intention to vacate Illinois' 5th Congressional district. A long line of Chicago political insiders are busy bargaining behind the scenes to pick a successor in good, old fashioned Chicago fashion, exchanging political favors for support. One of them has already come to this blog searching for support. As a decade-long resident of IL-05, I guess I should not be surprised be this most undemocratic of processes. IL-05 was, after all the "political possession" of the infamous Rep. Dan Rostenkowski and Gov. Blagojevich. So far though, not much has been said about actual people like me, who live in the 5th - or of the tremendous opportunity this special election presents to progressives - if we can get organized.
So, this is an intro to my district, IL-05 to get folks started. The 5th is a solidly Democratic controlled district, though it only earns a Demo +18 on the Cook scale. I think that's mainly connected to my complaint about the way this next special election is shaping up. The area in really very progressive and would be a much stronger Democratic organizing base if only real democrats would take control. Instead, IL-05 has been handed down twice, to political insiders who really just biding their time until a better offer came along.
So, here's the case for making special election a political battleground:
1)The community is tired of being used a doormat for the political aspirations of democratic party hotshots bound for higher office. I hear the constantly in the community.
- Because of the factions in the Chicago Democratic Party machine, there are various front runners from several competing factions of the old Chicago machine. History suggests that these particular factions would much rather fight than work together.
- Since it looks like Rahm will hold onto his seat until 1/20/2009, the Gov can't call the special until then - so there is time to organize behind a real, grass / netroots candidate if one emerges.
- The district is safe enough to expect that the winner of the democratic primary will be the eventual House Rep.
- The special primary and general election have to take place in fairly short order and that, coupled with the expense of the traditional Chicago media market make this special primary ideal for a truly dedicated progressive to represent a district that is truly progressive itself.
- There will about 400,000 potential democratic voters being fought over by as many as 5 to 10 different candidates - so if nothing else, it could to be fun to watch!
So, does this community think that IL-05 is a race we ought to get involved in?
ps. This is my first diary, so any "educational" feedback on its form, etc is also welcome.