The garish off red and yellow (maybe it was supposed to be gold) signs were everywhere in my neighborhood. Touting the candidacy of incumbent 35th ward Alderman Vilma Colom, they were a testament to the power of a regular Democratic organization. Although Colom was a first term alderman, she appeared to have an extremely large and disciplined organization. Maybe she had some help?
Honoring a fine old political tradition, the Alderman and Committeeman of the 33rd Richard Mell had pursued an expansionist policy. Colom was said to be a mere puppet of Mell. I can't say whether that is true, but they are very close. One of the many pieces of literature that was on the street featured Governor Rod Blagojevich (Mells son in law) asking the residents of the ward to vote for Vilma. Interesting that the governor of the state would take such an interest in minor (relatively) local race.
The troops were out on election day, they were passing palm cards, checking who had not yet voted and running to try and persuade those who didn't, to come out to punch a hole in the ballot for Vilma.
In addition to the Demo regulars, the redoubtable Hispanic Democratic Organization (HDO) was out in force to support the seemingly unbeatable Colom.
Despite the best of efforts, the mighty 33rd struck out. Showing a refreshing new streak of independence the majority Hispanic ward sent Mell's surrogate packing. Rey Colon a community activist and former superintendent of Humbolt Park walloped Vilma by a 12% margin. What makes the result even more interesting is the fact that Chicago was bitterly cold that day. This is when the machine is supposed to do its best work. They bring their people to the polls – no matter what the weather. The times may in fact be changing.
In even more of a surprise, the very conservative Republican* Richard Gordon gave offbeat Alderman Burt Naturas a bit of a scare. In one of Chicago's most liberal lakefront communities Gordon garnered 44 % of the vote. Many of his numbers were probably protest votes against Natauras. None the less, 44% of the high-rise types voted for someone for their Alderman who is far closer ideologically to William F. Buckley Jr., than to William Jefferson Clinton.
The Mayoral race was a yawner. Several unknowns challenged "DA Mare" and in a non-campaign the incumbent romped them all.
If anything good came out of that race it – certainly it was not a plus for the democratic process - is that hopefully the city is on the road to putting the racial stuff behind us. The honorable Mayor won all fifty wards, blacks, whites, Hispanics all sent him back – for good or ill.
* Although Chicago's municipal elections are officially non-partisan, everyone knows if a Republican is running for anything.
Michael Kerr
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