David:
With rumors Arne Duncan, Toni Preckwinkle, Luis Gutierrez, Lisa Madigan, Valerie Jarrett or the cast of Chicago aldermen now weighing a run, it’s difficult to tell. I do, however, agree with McCarthy as he speculates Emanuel’s departure was in part the result of intrigue with fellow Democrats in Chicago.
What residents need to follow closely is what Emanuel does with the massive war chest he amassed in the run up to Tuesday’s announcement he would not seek re-election. I hardly believe he will return the donations and tend to believe Rahm will hand it over to the Cook County Democratic party. Part of a plan, I suspect, to assist one of the above mentioned possible candidates. Of those who are now rumored to seek the office, I would say Rahm would anoint Duncan or Jarrett rather easily. I can see Duncan attempting a run and I think Jarrett would revel in any opportunity to hold public office here in Chicago. Both are Chicago natives and close with Barack Obama. Quietly referred to as “Obama’s Rasputin,” Jarrett is the one for whom Obama would be willing to come off the bench and support. I don’t see Gutierrez or Madigan seeking City Hall. I just can’t see Preckwinkle abandoning the Cook County Board president position, because it would mean surrendering a great amount of power.
My biggest concern, one which you share, is what will come from Lisa Madigan’s push to foist the consent decree on the CPD. Chicago’s problems are so massive in scope and size, and so many revolve around crime, it’s difficult to envision a department weakened further. I routinely speak with over 20 members of the force, most of whom are assigned to three districts across the city. They often describe their routine as resembling parking control over hard policing due to excessive police reform.
Although I am eager to see new leadership for this city, a persistent fear I have is whether Rahm’s successor will be able to reverse two decades of Daley’s and Emanuel’s neglect and poor judgment. I believe it is entirely possible the next mayor will suffer greatly from the consequences of their misguided policies. As I stated in a previous essay: It will take a special successor to undo all the damage Rahm inflicted.
The absolute worst-case scenario is to have Lori Lightfoot elected to City Hall. While Emanuel often used police as a convenient foil to ensure his political survival, Lightfoot’s life mission is to humiliate the Chicago Police Department and bring police officers to their knees.
What is your hypothesizing over potential candidates and Chicago’s next leader?
