Mayoral election less than 11 months away. Anybody want to take on Morrissey?
May 13th, 2008 at 01:47am Chuck Sweeny
Alright, it’s less than 11 months until Rockford’s mayoral election, but when I ask around about who might challenge independent Larry Morissey for mayor (I’m assuming he’s running for a second term) I don’t get much but shrugs for answers.
Let’s get the ball rolling. Here are some people who I think would make good candidates, although I have no idea whether they’d actually run:
Ald. Doug Mark, R-3rd; Ald. Nancy Johnson, D-8th, Ald. Carl Wasco, D-4th, Ald. Joe Sosnowski, R-1st.
You’d also have to put state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, on the list, although I’m not sure why he’d want to take on a “buck stops here” type of job.
According to people who do polling for both parties, Morrissey’s favorability ratings remain high, riverwalk or no riverwalk. But if we have a third “100 year flood,” or the potholes next spring are as bad as this year’s, all bets are off.
Will Doug Scott abandon the Blago ship and come home to run for mayor? Stranger things have happened, but I doubt it. It might make more sense for Scott, who was an effective state rep, run for state Senate in 2010. The 34th district, which Syverson represents, is equally balanced between Dems and Repubs; in fact Dems argue it leans their way.
Airport board chairman Mike Dunn would also be a good candidate, but under which banner would he run? A lifelong Republican and friend of former Gov. James R. “Big Jim” Thompson, , political switch-hitter Dunn is Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s biggest fan in Rockford, because Durbin, assisted by U.S. Rep. Don Manzulo, R-Egan, has been remarkably successful in bringing federal tax dollars back to Rockford. If Dunn ran as a Democrat, he’d likely have Durbin’s support. But Dunn tells me he’s not running.
I don’t see how an overt Republican spouting rhetoric from the Heritage Foundation has any chance of becoming Rockford mayor. The GOP had its last, best shot in 2001 when businessman/humanitarian Dennis Johnson nearly beat Doug Scott in a four-way race.
There’s talk from time to time that former police chief Jeff Nielsen might run for mayor, I suppose as a Democrat. But he always looks as if he’s about to blow a gasket.
Frankly, I don’ think there are enough Republicans in Rockford to elect a mayor who ran as a partisan GOP candidate. But a Republican who ran an inclusive campaign, someone like Mark, for instance, could have a chance to win.
Who are some people you’d like to see as mayoral candidates?
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
40 Comments Add your own
1. Herbie Hoover | May 13th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Chuickles, what about that Charlie Box. He always had a pleasant personality. Not.
2. George Washington | May 13th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Hi Chuckles, nice column, particular that comment about Jeff Nielsen. So true! I think you overlooked the most obvious candidate. Yourself! You ever think about getting into politics? You’ve written about these guys for so long, no one knows the problems of this town better than you. Draft Chuck, anyone?
3. interested party | May 13th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I love the fascination with this topic! NONE of the four you mentioned, I think, have any plans to run for mayor right now, except MAYBE nancy johnson.
I like the observation that a broad based republican, who could cross ove the rigid party rhetoric yet still make people feel good about sticking to their conservative beliefs, is the ideal candidate. The catch:
WHO?
Sosnowski is an obvious answer, but he’s too young and unknown to compete with the the mayors money machine.
Doug Mark is another nice answer, but does he have the temerity required to handle a large scale race with a great campaigner like Larry? He’s also good friends with larry so I think that would sway dougs decision, as I find him to be a man of character and integrity.
Lets look at some other options
Frank Gambino? would be a great mayor, but probably wouldn’t give up his business.
Dean Olson? Same case!
John Beck? Hmmm, now theres an idea!
Anyone else on the horizon for the republicans? Sweeny Jr. is a name but is WAY to young.
Marc Gasparini? If he would move back to rockford, would be an ideal candidate.
I know the republicans have some other young guys who have promise, we’ll have to see what happens.
Thanks for what you do, chuck. i always enjoy your insight.
4. Chuck Sweeny | May 13th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I\’d have to be forcibly annexed to run for mayor. And then I\’d have to have my head examined.
5. Chuck Sweeny | May 13th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Dear interested party: I’m just trying to stoke interest. I’m pretty sure Charles Box likes his gig being chairman of the ICC.
6. unmanager | May 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hey Chuck, just for the record, your area is on the map for annexation in the very near future…
7. Chuck Sweeny | May 13th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Do you work for the Morrissey administration?
8. Hoffian | May 14th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I once saw Chuck Box try to belittle a Register Star reporter at an election night event and the reporter roared right back at him, even asked him if he wanted to go outside and talk about it. Needless to say, it was not Chuckles standing up to him.
9. George Washington | May 14th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Hey Chuck, we can definitely take care of the annexation. And the head examination. No, I don’t work for Morrissey. Come on Chuck, you can take him!
10. Chuck Sweeny | May 14th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Hoffian, who was the reporter, when was the election night and what exactly was said?
Answer those questions and we’ll know you’re not making this up.
11. Chuck Sweeny | May 14th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Dear George Anonymous Washington,
Wasn’t talking about your post, was responding to unmanager, a former star of the late but not lamented StoryChat.
12. George Washington | May 14th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Dear Chkcu:
I knew you weren’t talking about mypost. I am still just sayin’ if it requires annexation and a mental exam…bring it on!
13. Hoffian | May 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Chuckles, not sure on the reporter’s name, but this was in the early to mid 1990s. It was election night, and Mr. Box hadn’t been successful on either getting some measure passed or getting some of the people he supported elected. The reporter asked him about it and Box, with his famous temper, started going after him. The reporter fired back, in an equally loud tone, that he was asking legitimate questions and Box had no reason to treat him like that and if Box wanted to discuss it more, the two of them should step outside and talk. Box backed down.
The reporter was a young guy. He used to write about crime a lot. If you said his name, I would remember.
14. Leatherneck | May 14th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Mike Rotello should come back and run. I know people can say what they want about how he was as a campaigner, but that’s all water under the dam. The fact is he knows how to govern and he is knowledgeable about all levels of government. Mike’s short time in Springfield was the last time we had a legislator with any brains.
Doug Marks doesn’t impress. He and the other aldermen you mention are all “concubines” for Rockford Blacktop, if you get my drift. Same old same old.
Instead of your writing that Mayor Pothole still has “high favorability” you need to be more candid and write that he is vulnerable. Or you should write that “Mayor Pothole has worn out his welcome”. Many of us backed him initially and had high hopes for him but all of Mayor Pothole’s blunders have left voters disappointed and feeling like we’ve been had. That’s not favorability.
15. hokumboy | May 14th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Well said, Leatherneck!
16. Chuck Sweeny | May 15th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Dear Leatherneck: I know for a fact that local Republicans and Democrats do polls regularly and my sources in both parties have told me that Morrissey gets high marks.
Sorry if you don’t like that,, but as Charles Box used to say, you are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.
Is Morrissey vulnerable next year? Of course. So is any mayor. I already covered that in a previous post. I said that if we have another 100 year flood, or if next winter is as bad as this year’s and the potholes are back with a vengeance,
Morrissey could be beaten. However, he does have a formidable organization with the ability to raise oodles of money. He also has a crackerjack political operative, Jim Thacker.
Culd a rival group spring up? Sure, especially if a Deep Pockets guy surfaced to fund a rival to Morrissey. But right now I am not aware of such a group.
17. unmanager | May 15th, 2008 at 5:18 am
“Do you work for the Morrissey administration?”
Naw,let me just assure you the plans for quite a bit of “forcible annexation” have been “overlayed” on metro area maps…
18. George Washington | May 15th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Chuck, I know you probably thinking I’m playing around, but I’m not.
You’ve spent your life telling people how the city should be run. This is a unique opportunity to put your ideas to work. To put your money where your mouth is, to use a cliche.
Let’s see if we can’t generate some encouragement for you.
Readers of the Sweeny Report: I am hereby announcing a “Draft Chuck Sweeny for Mayor” campaign. This is a true grassroots campaign — only you can determine its success or failure. Please join the movement here to convince Chuck to get off the fence and into the game. Depending on how much reaction we get, we’ll proceed to forming an exploratory committee.
Ball is in your court.
19. Rutherford B. Hayes | May 15th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I am in on this. Is there a petition we can start? I have always been a fan of Chuckles’ writing and he seems to have good ideas. Let’s do this.
20. Chuck Sweeny | May 15th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Alright. That’s it. I refuse to be drafted to run for mayor of Rockford. I am moving to Chemung.
21. George Washington | May 15th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Sorry chuck, the voice of the people will be heard.
22. Hoffian | May 15th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Let me know how I can sign the petition. He does have a few good ideas every now and then. He can’t be as bad as some of the people we have had running this city. he is a bit ill-tempered in his comments on this blog, but, as I discussed above, he can’t have as bad a temper as Chuck Box.
23. George Washington | May 15th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Right now, Hoff, no petition. We need a grassroots outcry on this blog thread. Get your friends to weigh on the Draft Sweeny campaign. Need to show him it’s for real.
24. Jimmy Jet | May 15th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Chuck moving to Chemung and giving up the west side oh no run Chuck run
25. Chuck Sweeny | May 15th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
To paraphrase a great slogan from the 1960s: DRAFT BEER,NOT SWEENY
But if I did run, I’d need karl rove and he’s not cheap.
26. interested party | May 15th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
How about Jan Klaas? or Ryan Brauns? Tom Furst? Mike Hakanson? Jeff Kaney? John Sweeney Sr.?
27. interested party | May 15th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Jasper St Angel? Chuck Jefferson? Brian Campos?
28. Leatherneck | May 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
As I listen to this Draft Chuck stuff, I am reminded that “Voters get the kind of government they deserve” . As I listen to you people digressing into such silliness, it is no wonder we end up electing people like Rod Blagojevich and Mayor Pothole. You don’t deserve any better.
I suppose you people have bumperstickers with clever sayings like “Mom’s Taxi” or “Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost”. Now go back to your mindless prattle.
29. Chuck Sweeny | May 15th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Leatherneck, why don’t you run? It’s easy to take potshots. It’s easy to call WNTA and complain about everything under the sun. But to actually do something about improving your community?
S I L E N C E.
30. George Washington | May 16th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Leatherneck, why is it so silly? During his career Chuck has had a unique, up-close opportunity to get inside the minds of mayors, their administrations and other Rockford public officials. In such a position, he’s gained a terrific understanding of what works and what doesn’t. He is intimately familiar with how the system works. He has existing relationships with all the key players. He has name recognition. More than anything, ideas matter, and Chuck’s demonstrated an ability to listen to all parties and pose good, solid policy concepts. Not only that, he loves Rockford and wants it to succeed. What more can you ask for? Why is a journalist any less qualified for the job than a lawyer?
And Chuck, as to your post #29 - exactly my point for your candidacy. It’s time for you to get in the game.
31. Chuck Sweeny | May 16th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I am skeptical that “Washington” is serious. If he were, he would provide his real name. I’m not holding my breath.
32. Alexander Hamilton | May 16th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I believe Washington is as serious as a Supreme Court case. I am buying what he is selling. Mr. Sweeny, please announce your candidacy. We need someone like you, someone with fresh ideas and an outsider’s point of view. We need change, just like your hero, Barach Obama.
33. George Washington | May 16th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Chuck - It’s not about me. If there is a groundswell of support for you to run, I will step forward and lead the charge. Right now it’s in the hands of the people.
34. Chuck Sweeny | May 16th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Aha! As I suspected, George Anonymous Washington is just playing games.
I don’t live in the city, so I’m not eligible. Besides, I wouldn’t make a good politician.
35. Jimmy Jet | May 16th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Darn Chuck I thought you lived in the City oh well I was hoping that you would be a front porch Mayor Like Alderman Mel Anderson
36. Chuck Sweeny | May 16th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Wow, there’s a name from the past. On Election Days, the veteran 7th ward alderman made “Election Stew,” and people would drop by his house on School Street to have some.
It was good, too.
37. George Washington | May 16th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Chuck–what do you mean, playing games? All I said was, if there is support for it, I will lead it. I absolutely think you should declare and I think I’ve made an excellent case for it. You’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, you care about the city, you’ve got name recognition, you’ve got contacts…there’s no game here. This is a turning point in Rockford’s history. As for needing Karl Rove - well, all I’ll say is I bet you Pat Cunningham can help you run a heck of a campaign. But no, I’m not playing games, sir. This is your time.
38. Chuck Sweeny | May 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
As I said before, George, I do not live in the city. That’s one.
And I’d be an awful politician because I wouldn’t pander. That’s two.
And Pat Cunningham is busy on his own blog.That’s three.
I’m out.
39. George Washington | May 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Chuck, that’s fine. We’ll see what the people say. None of those three conditions are insurmountable.
40. Chuck Sweeny | May 19th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
George, just get over it. Move on.
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed