Ethan Michaeli looks at what may become one of the big races of 2007 and
a battle between two political dynasties. Troubled Chicago Mayor
Richard M. Daley may face a challenge from Congressman Jesse
Jackson Jr.
It is a remarkable turn-around from a seemingly
impregnable position. Just a few years ago, Daley was known for
his fiscal responsibility and civic pride. He was praised for
restoring the downtown and beautifying the city with trees and
planters. He took control of the city schools, quelled their
querulous labor union, and is boasting of improving test scores
among city school children.
For years, Mayor Daley operated unscathed as federal
prosecutors picked off corrupt Chicago aldermen one by one, along
with a few county officials and state legislators. He even got to
appoint many of the aldermen's replacements; he has named more
than one-half of the current City Hall roster. Daley even wields
considerable power in the state capital at Springfield, usually
hostile territory for Chicago mayors.