Both of the largest Chicago-area daily newspapers, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, have sifted through a large and impressive pool of Democratic candidates to select one for their respective Democratic endorsements for the U.S. House seat formerly held by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.
Both papers praise three candidates as especially impressive - Sara Feigenholtz, Tom Geoghegan and Charlie Wheelan. (The Tribune also likes Chicago Alderman Pat O'Connor, strangely enough).
Ultimately, however, both papers settle on Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley for their endorsement.
The Tribune effusively praises Quigley as a good-government reformer and notes his persistent opposition to controversial Cook County Board President Todd Stroger:
His reports on how to improve county government are without parallel in Illinois politics. They’re not goo-goo yammer. They’re tightly researched and spot-on accurate in their assertions about best practices and likely savings. He produces facts, facts, facts. If Quigley’s ideas had all been put in place, the county would not be crying now for more money.
He led the fight against Stroger’s 1 percent sales tax increase. He led the efforts in recent weeks that forced Stroger to drastically scale back his plans for massive borrowing to fund his bloated government.
Quigley has passed real, effective measures to force more open and accountable government in Cook County. He will take that same laserlike focus on effective, efficient and compassionate government to Washington.
The Sun-Times talks up Quigley's environmental credentials:
While Quigley is well-known for being a pit bull on finances, he has received less notice for his long-term devotion to the environment.
Among the greener politicians in the city, Quigley has championed the Cook County Forest Preserve District, gotten more money for environmental programs and persuaded county government to buy green.
These endorsements won't win Quigley the nomination by himself, as he's still just one candidate in a large field of talented, well-funded candidates with strong bases of support.
But they're awfully kind words for the Chicago Democrat.
Update by kos: The map of the district. Zoom into the Chicago area to see it better.