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Chicago's North Side Politics… A Democrat Sweep?
-By Maureen Sanchez
Currently the Democratic Party
holds 10 seats in the House of Representatives from the state
of Illinois. Chicago has been a traditional stronghold of Democrats.
In the past, the Democratic Party in Chicago was known for its
notorious corruption. Some historians credit the election of JFK
in 1960, to all the dead Democrats that cast ballots in Chicago.
However, in 2002 these legends are urban folklore. What remains
is the Democratic Party today and the question is are they able
to connect with local communities to keep the Democrats in power?
With a rise in the Hispanic population,
people of the 4th congressional district look for a disciplined
and competent individual with a purpose. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez
has served as legislator four terms in the 4th congressional district.
According to a recent nationwide survey, Gutierrez is the most
admired Latino leader in the country.
Resident Elizabeth Morales says,
"I've witnessed his involvement in our community. That speaks
well of any candidate who is willing to put effort into proving
his candidacy." Running against Congressman Gutierrez for elected
office appears to be easier said than done. The fact is not one
republican will run against Luis V. Gutierrez for the general
elections. His success comes from building coalitions. During
his turn as a U.S. Congressman he has been engaging in both regular
and independent organizations around a platform that is fair and
acceptable to everyone. The absence of political turbulence between
the two wings has impressed even the most cynical observers. This
newfound calm has dispelled misperceptions of the Latino community
and has stunned political novices mounting costly and frivolous
campaigns. Gutierrez has mainstreamed Latino politics in Chicago.
Latino leaders have learned that working together beats the hell
out of the old days, when regular and independent Latino Democrats
thought politics was really a pie-in-the-face contest.
Along with Gutierrez, former Clinton
senior advisor Rahm Emanuel, who is also a democrat, in pursuit
of the 5th Congressional District says "I only hope for the best
for our district…I have faith." On March 20, 2002 Rahm Emanuel
won the primary race in the 5th District. He was known as a tenacious
fund-raiser and advocate for former President Clinton, and those
same qualities proved effective when he put them to work for himself.
He has raised $1.64 million dollars for his campaign, even contributing
12 percent of his campaign funds from his personal salary. Emanuel's
overall goals and regime may prove substantial for the democrats
but can it win over the entire 5th community?
The race was heavily dominated
by political mud slinging. Former state Rep. Nancy Kaszak who
came in second in the primaries, often claimed that Emanuel did
not understand the district. She blamed her loss, in the primaries,
on having been out spent in the campaign "2 to 1."
The resident of the 5th district
seem to be frustrated with lack of results from politicians, but
still feel that the Democratic Party is the best choice for their
communities. Perla Viveros, a Loyola University Chicago student,
considers politics a fraudulent subject. But in the case of democrats
and the purpose for political hierarchy she says, "for the most
part I see politics as deceptive, fabricated, and a concentrated
profession on monetary power. But democrats break the mold and
provide stamina. Their goals seem relevant to what matters, than
that of republicans."
An early litmus test reveals that
the Democrats still have strong hold in Chicago. This time the
victory is due to the community involvement of Democratic candidates
and representatives. It is their ability to connect with local
constituents, rather than win votes from the dead Democrats of
political machines that keeps the Democratic Party essential in
Chicago.
For more information regarding
politics visit the following Links: http://www.opensecrets.org
http://www.DeNet.org
http://www.House.Gov
http://CityofChicago.Org
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