The first (and possibly only) public forum for voters to see all to folks who are trying to win Rahm Emanual's IL-05 US House seat has been scheduled. This Candidates' Forum looks to have 15 candidates attending, though we'll see if everyone turns up. There is no slated democrat candidate in this primary and a lot of money is being raised. There are also several folk completely new to the scene in the race - so - let the games begin!
Since the Cook County Democratic Party could not pick one candidate to back, the "Chicago Machine" has remained not at the center of this race, amazingly. There are several well-connected and experienced candidates in the race but as an adviser close to one of them told me last week, "it's going to be an old fashioned Chicago street fight." Meaning that front line, community organizing WILL BE what wins this race. Feet on the pavement, knocking on doors, and that seems to be what candidates are doing. So this forum should be very interesting. Also, questions can be submitted online - at the website linked in this email - in case Kossacks want to chime in?
Remember, who ever wins the special Dem primary will likely be the IL-05 US House rep. The district will cast about 30,000 Dem primary ballots - plus or minus 5,000. There are 15 (I think) official candidates - of which at lest 5, maybe 7 have a real shot. The winner of the most votes is the winner - no run off. So ... this US house will likely go for something like 7,000 to 8,000 total primary votes - that's it. I think this is going to be a great example of the strength of grassroots campaigning and politics - but it also offers unique opportunities for the netroots to have a voice.