Submitted by arlenegloria on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 07:49

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Don Rose is a regular weekly columnist in the Chicago Observer.

No Daley? What Next?

By Don Rose

I was as surprised as anyone to hear the news that RMD will not run again. In the recent past I have written that I thought he would go again unless the delicate health of his wife would make him change his mind. I can only assume that is the case here, because he certainly had no serious opposition for next February, though his low ratings suggest he might have a bit more of a fight than usual.
This sets up a situation where many will opt to run, but I believe it will get down to Sheriff Tom Dart, Rahm Emanuel and possibly a serious African American candidate in the field. It could be a very big field to begin, though time to file will be upon us in November.
Remembering that we now have “nonpartisan” mayoral elections, wherein the top two vote-getters will have a runoff if no one reaches 50 percent plus one, a simple plurality in the initial election will not guarantee success for the top vote getter as in the days when the Democratic primary could be won with a plurality as Harold Washington did in 1983.
It’s all speculation at this moment, but I would remind everyone that I consider Dart to be the hottest political property in town, other than Lisa Madigan. If Emanuel quits his job and comes back here to run, he will have his hands full.

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