Lawmakers: Mayor Daley Exit from Chicago will Be Felt Statewide

By Benjamin Yount   Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD  –  Richard Daley is not just the mayor of Chicago, and his decision Tuesday not to run for re-election is far more than just a local issue for voters in Chicago.

Illinois lawmakers, from the city and across the rest of state, all agree that Daley’s exit from city hall will impact the entire state.

Daley, who’s been mayor since 1989, said Tuesday he’s decided not  to seek re-election next spring, that “it’s time for me, it’s time for Chicago to move on.”

The impact of that decision could be felt as quickly as this fall.  University of Illinois at Springfield professor Kent Redfield points out mayoral wannabe’s are already making their owns plans.  And Redfield said anything that hurts party loyalty in Chicago could hurt Gov. Pat Quinn and other Democrats across Illinois.

“Chicago is the core of the Democratic party, in terms of their base vote,” Redfield said.  “And a strong political organization led by [Mayor Daley] is a plus for Democrats statewide.”

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said there is a lot of uncertainty now, and so that political organization will not be unified until the candidates are chosen.

“It will have impacts in November and as [Chicago] goes forward…And so it’ll be time so see who is going to step forward and lead in probably one of the most difficult times on our history.”

Other Democrats say the pushing and shoving that are sure to come will be critical as the final  candidates emerge and eventually, the new mayor.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said no one can predict what Chicago and Illinois’ political landscapes will be once the two elections are over.

“[Daley's decision] turns it upside down on its head and shakes it out til everyone falls out of the bottom.  There’s probably a lot of people saying ‘Why did I decide to run for this, if I’d have just kept my powder dry’ or ‘I’ll be the next mayor’.”

Harris said everyone should really take a step back and relax.  But State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, thinks it’s too late for that.

“[Daley's announcement] is like chum for a shark.  They’re throwing a bunch of blood in the water and all of the sharks are circling.  And the biggest sharks are going to start taking a bite at city hall.  That’s a hell of a prize.”

But Jacobs is quick to add the impact of a new mayor goes well beyond the immediate political shifting.  Jacobs adds that Chicago is the engine that makes Illinois move.  He said Daley has driven that engine, and moved the rest of the state with him.

“I do look for a mayor that is a little more engaged and not so Chicago-centric, someone who looks at the whole state.  Because policies that are designed in Chicago have an impact on my community.”

State Rep. Rich Myers, R-Macomb, said Daley’s influence in Springfield included the annual battle over gun control.

“If there’s another mayor replacing Mayor Daley that is less of an advocate for gun control it will have an impact on downstate in the sense that we won’t always be fighting anti-gun legislation.”

State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said a Chicago without Daley could be chance to  balance the power inside the state capitol.

“Because of the fact that the party that is controlling the state of Illinois now is from Chicago, and you have a disproportionate number of legislative members from the city of Chicago and with Daley’s influence means that Chicago has had a strong influence in Illinois government.”

Roosevelt University professor Paul Green said downstate lawmakers had better be careful what they wish for.  Green adds that Daley’s power in Springfield did more than keep downstaters in check.

“Without Mayor Daley in Chicago the question is what would be the relationship of Chicago to the legislature?  And will it mean that Speaker Madigan will have even more power because you’ll have a brand new mayor who may or may not have any legislative experience what so ever.”

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, did not touch on that when issuing a statement praising Daley.

“I commend the Mayor on his long service and respect this very personal decision. His record is one of remarkable accomplishments. One only has to look around the city center to know he was a major force in keeping this city and the region vibrant, alive and on the national stage.”

Originally reported by Illinois Statehouse News. Read the original article here.