Federal case alters Chicago election landscape
Smith remains on the ballot, and for some observers he remains the favorite against Tom Swiss, a onetime Cook County Republican Party director running as a Democrat. The Chicago Tribune "retracted" its endorsement and suggested several ways the race could play out, including a Democratic replacement or independent challengers in the November general election.
Democratic ward committeemen may be called on to replace Smith. The 1st Ward, which includes East Village, features an unusual three-way committeeman contest. Incumbent Jesse Ruben Juarez faces Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno and lawyer Anne Shaw, active in the Save the 13th District police-station campaign.
All three candidates answered the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization questionnaire, which asked how they would include voters in the decision to replace candidates. Juarez said he would look to his ward organization for direction. Shaw stated that there should be public meetings. Moreno pledged to follow the results of a community vote.
The East Village Association does not endorse candidates and bars them from serving as officers. Juarez and Shaw are EVA members, and Shaw was vice president in 2004.
In the redrawn 32nd Ward, incumbent John Fritchey withdrew last month, leaving Ald. Scott Waguespack uncontested in the committeeman election. Ald. Bob Fioretti is sole committeeman candidate in the 2nd Ward, which now includes West Town; he's the invited April 2 EVA meeting speaker. Secretary of State Jesse White, Smith's onetime boss, is the unopposed 27th Ward committeeman.
Ward committeemen also slate candidates for judge. Various bar groups rate their qualifications, and the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice website provides links to the evaluation results. But committeemen put judges on the primary ballot, which is why judicial candidates will be out this weekend handing out fliers, palm cards, emery boards and the like.
Check your polling place or registration status for the March 20 primary at the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website.
