Roland J. Gomez Jr of Oak Lawn, IL has been honored with a recognition by Chicago in its selection of “2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals“.

OAK LAWN, Ill., Dec. 8, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Announcing a special recognition appearing in the October 2011 issue of Chicago published by Tribune Company. Roland J. Gomez Jr was selected for the following honor:

(Photo: http://photos.CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM.com/prnh/20111208/DC19588)

“2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals“

Roland J. Gomez Jr commented on the recognition: “This is quite an honor for me. The fact that Chicago included me in its selection of “2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals“, signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent work has paid off. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way.”

About Roland J. Gomez Jr: a short profile by and about the honoree:

My primary focus is to take the mystery out of any situation encompassed in my areas of expertise. My mission is to give consumers an upfront and honest evaluation of their unique situation so they can make an educated decision that is best for their family. Through my efforts I am committed to delivering the highest level of service. This includes returning all phone calls promptly and maintaining 100% customer satisfaction. Utilizing my experience as a seasoned veteran will give you the highest chance of success. It is not my intention to just satisfy my customers, but to AMAZE them!

Following the publication of Roland J. Gomez Jr‘s selection for Chicago‘s “2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals” list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Roland J. Gomez Jr to the “Registry of Business Excellence™”. An exclusive recognition plaque, shown here, has been designed to commemorate this honor.

For more information on Roland J. Gomez Jr, located in Oak Lawn, IL please call 708-372-4202, or visit http://rolandgomez.pacormortgage.com/.

This press release was written by American Registry, LLC with contributions from Roland J. Gomez Jr on behalf of Roland J. Gomez Jr and was distributed by PR Newswire, a subsidiary of United Business Media.

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. The Registry™ includes over 2 million significant business and professional recognitions, including all those included in Chicago‘s “2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals” list. For more information, search The Registry at http://www.americanregistry.com.

Contact Info:
Roland J. Gomez Jr
Phone: 708-372-4202
Email Address: loans@rolandgomez.com

SOURCE American Registry

http://www.americanregistry.com

Roland J. Gomez Jr Selected For "2011 Chicago Mortgage Professionals" | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Building on the success of its long tradition of celebrating books, writing, and authors, the Chicago Tribune has expanded its Literary Series to include Author Talks, a new monthly series of one-on-one discussions with authors about their new releases and beloved classics, led by Chicago Tribune Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. The Author Talks series launches with Amy Chua, author of the provocative new book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, to be held at the Tribune Tower event space, 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Thursday, February 17, 2011.

“In a city with a deep literary tradition, the Tribune’s books and literature events reach an audience seeking illumination, education and entertainment.  The intimate, new Author Talks series augments the well established Printers Row Lit Fest in June and the Chicago Tribune Literary Prize in November. Chicagoans who enjoy the written word will certainly find themselves sated this year,” said Taylor.

Author Talks offer audiences a rare opportunity to interact with favorite authors – or discover new ones – in the context of an intimate salon led by Chicago Tribune Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. A question & answer session is part of each Author Talks, along with a “meet & mingle” reception in which audience members are encouraged to continue the dialogue.  The author will be on hand to sell and sign books.    

The initial Author Talks lineup includes:

• Bestselling author Amy Chua, discussing her recent release, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Penguin).  Her witty, provocative, and utterly absorbing memoir of her experience in extreme parenting reveals the rewards—and the costs— of raising her children the Chinese way.  Liz Taylor interviews Amy Chua at the Tribune Tower event space, 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m.
• The universally acclaimed Joyce Carol Oates returns to Chicago on the heels of A Widow’s Story (Harper Collins, publication date: Feb. 15).  The author’s poignant, intimate memoir about the unexpected death of Raymond Smith, her husband of forty-six years, details its wrenching, surprising aftermath. A recent recipient of the National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, Oates’ novels (Blonde, The Gravedigger’s Daughter, Little Bird of Heaven, etc.) rank among the very finest in contemporary American fiction.   Oates will appear at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street, Thursday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m.  Admission for this Author Talks is free.  Admission to the “meet & mingle” reception with the author is $10.  
• Alexander McCall Smith, the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, has written more than 60 books, including academic titles, short story collections, and a number of immensely popular children’s books.  McCall Smith will sit down to review his extensive career and take questions about his most popular character, Detective Precious Ramotswe, at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Avenue, Sunday, April 3, at 4 p.m.
• Kathryn Stockett‘s The Help (Putnam) shares the story of three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town and changes the way women–mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends–view one another. The Help is Stockett’s first novel and is being made into a major motion picture from Dreamworks Studios. Stockett will take the stage at a location TBA Friday, May 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets for this event will include a copy of The Help in paperback and are priced at $20.

Other Author Talks are planned for September 21 and October 19, with authors to be announced.

Unless otherwise noted, tickets for most Author Talks programs are $10 each and can be purchased by calling (312) 222-3348 or visiting www.chicagotribune.com/tribnation.

The Printers Row Lit Fest, founded as the Printers Row Book Fair in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board, was purchased by the Chicago Tribune in 2001 as part of its ongoing commitment to the written word and its support of literacy and literary endeavor. It is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest-drawing more than 125,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase, featuring more than 200 booksellers from around the country and more than 100 free literary programs on seven stages. The 2011 Printers Row Lit Fest will take place June 4 and 5.  

The Chicago Tribune annually presents a series of Literary Prizes, including its signature Chicago Tribune Literary Prize, awarded each fall since 2002 to a “prominent person in American letters,” in conjunction with the Chicago Humanities Festival. The Chicago Tribune Literary Prize was awarded to playwright-fiction writer-actor Sam Shepard in 2010, in front of an audience of nearly 2,000 at Orchestra Hall.   The Heartland Prizes are also presented each fall, and since 1988, have paid tribute to an author of an outstanding book published from June of the prior year to June of that year.  The 2010 Heartland winners were E. O. Wilson for Anthill and Rebecca Skloot for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.  The Tribune’s other awards include its Young Adult Literary Prize, presented in recognition of a lifetime of achievement reaching young adult readers, and the Nelson Algren Short Story Prize, named for one of the city’s best-known writers and attracting entries from across the country. A special event at Printers Row Lit Fest in June celebrates the winners from both these contests.

The Chicago Tribune Literary Series is just one part of Trib Nation, a new initiative of community outreach by the Chicago Tribune that also includes Chicago Live!, the weekly live radio show taping showcasing who and what is making news in Chicago each week; Chicago Forward: Conversations About the Future, a series of live gatherings of policymakers exploring issues of great importance to the Chicago region; programs by Chicago Tribune columnists and personalities; and TribU, a multi-platform series focusing on personal and professional enrichment, including classes and seminars led by Chicago Tribune journalists. For 163 years, the Chicago Tribune has been a market-leading newspaper publication of Tribune Company.  Reaching three million readers each week in the greater Chicago area, the publication is known for its award-winning journalism.  The Tribune‘s news focus is centered on the Chicago experience, community issues and government, the local economy and business, as well as entertainment, culture and sports.

For more information, please visit www.chicagotribune.com/tribnation.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune

http://chicagotribune.com

Chicago Tribune Expands Its Literary Series With New Monthly Author Talks Featuring Major Talents; Series Also Includes Annual Printers Row Lit Fest and Literary Prizes | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Jan. 11, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Chicago Tribune Media Group today announced the acquisition of Naperville Magazine from Oster Communications LLC.  Naperville Magazine was launched in 2005 and is a controlled distribution, monthly publication with a circulation of 30,000.  With a focus on health, fitness, style, restaurant reviews and home features, it is the premier community lifestyle magazine dedicated specifically to Naperville area.  

“We are thrilled to be part of the Chicago Tribune Media Group.  The synergies we will generate will drive more value and service to the Naperville community,” said Leah Rippe, Publisher of Naperville Magazine.

Leah will report to Rich Gamble, who adds Naperville Magazine to his current responsibilities as Publisher & General Manager of Chicago magazine. “This is a great addition to our portfolio,” said Gamble.  ”We’re excited to extend our reach in this important suburban area.  Naperville is a great complement to our existing offerings and provides new targeted solutions for our advertisers looking to reach an affluent, educated and active audience.”  

The transaction was brokered by Regional Media Advisors.  

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune.  CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland, including RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, TribLocal, TheMash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com, chicagoshopping.com and metromix.com.  Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.  

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group Acquires Naperville Magazine | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Dec. 9, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The recently launched ChicagoShopping.com announced a partnership with Groupon, a shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services and cultural events in more than 300 markets around the world.

ChicagoShopping.com, a product of the Chicago Tribune Media Group, will feature one new local deal each weekday on the site’s homepage.  The ChicagoShopping deal-of-the-day powered by Groupon is a unique offer exclusive to the Chicago Tribune Media Group.

“If you like Groupon deals, you’ll now like them twice as much,” said Belinda Englman, General Manager of ChicagoShopping.com.  ”By registering at ChicagoShopping.com, you’ll have the option to sign up to receive the exclusive Groupon offer in addition to the feature Groupon highlights on their website each day.  It’s the ultimate opportunity for Chicagoland deal-seekers.”

“We’re excited to offer something special to users of ChicagoShopping.com just in time for the holidays,” said Sean Smyth, vice president of business development at Groupon.

With ChicagoShopping.com, Chicagoans can enjoy fantastic value, flexibility and convenience with access to discounts on hundreds of offers from thousands of their favorite brands.

“We’re connecting with Chicago deal seekers and shopping enthusiasts to help them find a smarter way to shop,” said Englman.  ”For our advertisers, ChicagoShopping.com is yet another solution within Tribune Media Group’s portfolio to expand their reach in the local market.  Apart from providing our advertisers with a new vehicle to extend their current advertising offerings, ChicagoShopping.com also represents a unique opportunity for Chicagoland’s small businesses to reach relevant audiences at the hyperlocal level.”

In addition to ChicagoShopping.com’s Deal of the Day powered by Groupon ChicagoShopping.com lets you personalize your shopping experience and stay informed of exclusive VIP shopping events. Instead of presenting thousands of options with no search customization, once you sign-in, ChicagoShopping.com will find the best deals for you that fit your needs – from deep discounts on your favorite brands to limited time offers from thousands of stores and more. The site also features relevant editorial content focused on shopping tips and advice.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune.  CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, TribLocal, TheMash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com, chicagoshopping.com and metromix.com.  Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.

About Groupon

Groupon, launched in November 2008 in Chicago, features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy in more than 300 markets around the world. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer unbeatable prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers, delivering more than 400 daily deals globally. For more information, visit http://www.groupon.com.

To get Groupon’s daily free email for the best in your city, subscribe at http://www.groupon.com.

For more information on Groupon apps for the iPhone and Android, visit http://www.groupon.com/mobile.

To learn more on how to become a featured business on Groupon, visit http://www.grouponworks.com.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group

http://www.groupon.com

ChicagoShopping.com Announces Partnership With Groupon | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

A 19-year-old parolee has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Chicago Police Officer Michael Flisk and a former Chicago Housing Authority cop, who were killed following a Friday burglary on the South Side.

Timothy Herring Jr., of the 8100 block of South Manistee, could face the death penalty if convicted, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Flisk, an evidence technician and 19-year veteran with the department, responded to the 8100 block of South Burnham Avenue Friday after former CHA officer Stephen Peters called police. Peters, 44, reported that his GT Mustang had been stolen. Flisk was discussing the burglary with Peters in the alley when a gunman approached and fatally shot both men.

Calumet Area detectives told the Chicago Tribune that Herring stole the vehicle, and killed Flisk and Peters because he did not want to be caught. Peters’ father told the paper that the teen left a substantial amount of evidence behind, though police were not disclosing what that evidence was Monday evening.

Aside from the murder charges, the Sun-Times reports that Herring has also been charged with an “unrelated June 18 attempted murder.” A source told the Tribune the victim did not press charges in June fearing that Herring would harm his mother.

Flisk was the fifth Chicago police officer to be shot and killed this year and the second in one week. Officer David Blake was found fatally shot in his SUV Monday on the South Side.

“There hasn’t been a year this bad since the 1960s,” Fraternal Order of Police president Mark Donahue told the Chicago Tribune over the weekend.

Officer Flisk is survived by his wife and four children. Peters, a military veteran, was retired after years of working for the Chicago Housing Authority and a suburban police department, NBC Chicago reports.

As the department tried to piece together yet another police officer’s murder, hundreds of people paid respects to Officer David Blake at his funeral on Sunday.

“The thought that someone can shoot and kill a police officer is simply unacceptable,” police Supt. Jody Weis said Friday.

Visitation for the Flisk is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Brady and Gill Buneral Home in Evergreen Park from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m, according to the Chicago Police Department. Funeral services will follow on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel.

Herring has been living in the South Side neighborhood since he was released from prison on parole Sept. 14 after being convicted of armed robbery. His bond hearing is set for Tuesday.

Originally reported by Huffington Post Chicago. Read the original story here.

19-Year-Old Parolee Charged In Chicago Cop’s Murder | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Illinois Republican Mark Kirk will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Monday afternoon, and says his first priority as a senator will be to turn the economy around.

Kirk will be sworn in at 4:30 p.m. Monday by Vice President Joe Biden in the United States Senate Chambers, the Associated Press reports. Kirk will fill the remainder of Sen. Roland Burris’ term, which will give him the opportunity to work during the lame duck session–and get a six-week head start on other newly elected senators.

In a Monday Chicago Tribune editorial, Kirk laid out what his top priorities in the Senate will be. From the Tribune:

The first Senate bill I will introduce will be the Spending Control Act. This bill builds on two recent successful examples of our democracy making the right decisions for our long-term future. First, in the 1980s, the bipartisan Grace Commission set the standard for serious oversight by identifying federal spending that would add little to our nation’s growth, but much to its debt. Second, the three military base closing commissions showed that bipartisan dignitaries, once given the authority to submit a proposal to Congress for a straight up or down vote, actually cut spending where others failed.

The Spending Control Act will marry these two proposals — a new Grace Commission with a mandate to realign federal spending against its actual income, and “base closing” procedural powers to submit its proposals for simple “yes” or “no” votes in Congress. Given the successful record of all three base closing commissions to implement their reductions, despite a great hue and cry, prospects would be good under this proposal for our greatest of all democracies to depart its current course toward national bankruptcy and crushing future debt.

Kirk also sat down with fellow U.S. Senator from Illinois, Democrat Dick Durbin, to discuss bills they can agree on, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

“Number-one: Ban sewage dumping in the Great Lakes,” Kirk told the paper. “I’ve been highly critical of Milwaukee. They built the not-so-Deep Tunnel. But most importantly: Detroit. Half of all sewage dumping in the Great Lakes is from one city. Roughly 24 billion gallons of sewage were dumped in the Great Lakes last year — 12 billion from Detroit.

He also told the paper he and Sen. Durbin support high-speed rail, and hope Wisconsin’s controversial decision to turn down federal money to expand their high-speed rail will benefit Illinois.

Kirk said he may not have to make a “yes” or “no” vote on extending former President Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy, since Democrats seem ready to extend the cuts for another two years.

Already, Kirk appears to be ready and willing to cross party lines. A few weeks ago, he vowed to support a bill that would give $7.4 billion in health care funds to workers who were sickened while cleaning up the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 attacks–a bill that many Republicans have come out against.

He also reportedly made it clear to Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell that he is a pro-choice “social moderate,” and would not always vote the party line, according to the Sun-Times.

“How do we get out of this mess?” Kirk wrote of the country’s economic problems in his Tribune editorial. “First, we cast aside the partisan differences and work across the aisle to solve this problem.”

Originally reported by Huffington Post Chicago. Read the original story here.

Kirk Says Bipartisanship A Priority, Will Be Sworn In Today | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Illinois Republican Mark Kirk will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Monday afternoon, and says his first priority as a senator will be to turn the economy around.

Kirk will be sworn in at 4:30 p.m. Monday by Vice President Joe Biden in the United States Senate Chambers, the Associated Press reports. Kirk will fill the remainder of Sen. Roland Burris’ term, which will give him the opportunity to work during the lame duck session–and get a six-week head start on other newly elected senators.

In a Monday Chicago Tribune editorial, Kirk laid out what his top priorities in the Senate will be. From the Tribune:

The first Senate bill I will introduce will be the Spending Control Act. This bill builds on two recent successful examples of our democracy making the right decisions for our long-term future. First, in the 1980s, the bipartisan Grace Commission set the standard for serious oversight by identifying federal spending that would add little to our nation’s growth, but much to its debt. Second, the three military base closing commissions showed that bipartisan dignitaries, once given the authority to submit a proposal to Congress for a straight up or down vote, actually cut spending where others failed.

The Spending Control Act will marry these two proposals — a new Grace Commission with a mandate to realign federal spending against its actual income, and “base closing” procedural powers to submit its proposals for simple “yes” or “no” votes in Congress. Given the successful record of all three base closing commissions to implement their reductions, despite a great hue and cry, prospects would be good under this proposal for our greatest of all democracies to depart its current course toward national bankruptcy and crushing future debt.

Kirk also sat down with fellow U.S. Senator from Illinois, Democrat Dick Durbin, to discuss bills they can agree on, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

“Number-one: Ban sewage dumping in the Great Lakes,” Kirk told the paper. “I’ve been highly critical of Milwaukee. They built the not-so-Deep Tunnel. But most importantly: Detroit. Half of all sewage dumping in the Great Lakes is from one city. Roughly 24 billion gallons of sewage were dumped in the Great Lakes last year — 12 billion from Detroit.

He also told the paper he and Sen. Durbin support high-speed rail, and hope Wisconsin’s controversial decision to turn down federal money to expand their high-speed rail will benefit Illinois.

Kirk said he may not have to make a “yes” or “no” vote on extending former President Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy, since Democrats seem ready to extend the cuts for another two years.

Already, Kirk appears to be ready and willing to cross party lines. A few weeks ago, he vowed to support a bill that would give $7.4 billion in health care funds to workers who were sickened while cleaning up the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 attacks–a bill that many Republicans have come out against.

He also reportedly made it clear to Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell that he is a pro-choice “social moderate,” and would not always vote the party line, according to the Sun-Times.

“How do we get out of this mess?” Kirk wrote of the country’s economic problems in his Tribune editorial. “First, we cast aside the partisan differences and work across the aisle to solve this problem.”

Originally reported by Huffington Post Chicago. Read the original story here.

Mark Kirk Says Bipartisanship Is A Priority, Will Be Sworn In Today | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2010 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Chicago Tribune Media Group launches ChicagoShopping.com featuring advanced personalization technology powered by Next Jump.  With ChicagoShopping.com, Chicagoans can enjoy fantastic value, flexibility and convenience with access to discounts on hundreds of offers from thousands of their favorite brands.

ChicagoShopping.com lets you personalize your shopping experience and stay informed of exclusive VIP shopping events.  Instead of presenting thousands of options with no search customization, once you sign-in, ChicagoShopping.com will find the best deals for you that fit your needs – from deep discounts on your favorite brands to limited time offers from thousands of stores and more.  The most loyal shoppers are rewarded with better price points and VIP access to the newest, hard-to-get, already sold-out products.

“Using the Tribune’s audience and reach in digital, print and on air, we’re connecting with Chicago deal seekers and shopping enthusiasts to help them find a smarter way to shop,” said Belinda Englman, General Manager of Chicago Shopping.  ”For our advertisers, ChicagoShopping.com is yet another solution within Tribune Media Group’s portfolio to expand their reach in the local market.  Apart from providing our advertisers with a new vehicle to extend their current advertising offerings, ChicagoShopping.com also represents a unique opportunity for Chicagoland’s small businesses to reach relevant audiences at the hyperlocal level.”

Chicago Shopping is powered by the Next Jump platform.  Next Jump, a next-generation e-commerce company, is known for their personalization abilities and their sophisticated tracking and analytics.

“We are pleased to partner with Chicago Tribune Media Group to help give Chicagoans the strongest value and deal integrity from merchants while helping advertisers sustainably acquire new and reward existing customers,” said Greg Kunkel, Senior Vice President at Next Jump.

“Partnering with a leading technology company is a great way for us to get into the shopping space,” said Englman.  ”Next Jump sets itself apart from most sites by allowing the consumer to control the information they receive about deals and offers that are most relevant to their individual preferences.  The key feature of personalized deals and email reminders, together with increasingly local offers, means that convenient shopping is truly a click away for Chicagoans.”

The site also features a Shopping Tips & Advice section where shoppers will find continuously updated and relevant content.  Look for new features on the site over the coming weeks and months.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune.  CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, TribLocal, TheMash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com, chicagoshopping.com and metromix.com.  Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.

About Next Jump

Next Jump is a leading provider of next-generation online shopping and rewards programs, offering the greatest deals on the latest products. With over 30,000 merchant partners, Next Jump leverages its unique data assets and personalization technology to provide shoppers with great offers on the hottest brands and products.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group

ChicagoShopping.com Delivers a Smarter Way to Shop | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The early start is a Chicago tradition, as those who file their 12,500 valid signatures by 9 a.m. Monday are entered in a lottery to win a top spot on the February ballot.

The Rahm Beat

According to Rahm Emanuel’s campaign, an aide turned in about 90,000 signatures Monday morning–which means one in 16 Chicago voters signed a petition for Emanuel.

Democratic Party lawyer Mike Kasper told Early and Often that Emanuel will have no problem with signatures, but if issues arise over the validity of Emanuel’s residency, Kasper said he would represent the former White House Chief of Staff.

Emanuel announced his bid for Chicago mayor on Saturday, and released his first campaign ad of the season this weekend as well.

Republicans For Meeks?

Following through in several public vows, state Sen. James Meeks announced Sunday that he would indeed run for Mayor of Chicago.

While no Republican candidates have publicly discussed running for mayor, Meeks has a conservative stance on most social issues–including opposition to abortion and gay rights.

When he announced his candidacy Sunday, former Illinois Republican Party chairman Andy McKenna introduced him.

“Sen. Meeks has one clear priority — it was there clear the first time he ran for office: children and education,” McKenna said Sunday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Davis, Chico, Del Valle Are In

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis announced his candidacy on Sunday, vowing to bridge the gap between the city’s richest and poorest residents. Early and Often reports that Davis will not turn in signatures until deadline day–November 22.

Gery Chico is also expected to file an excessive amount of signatures on Monday. The Chicago Tribune reports that Chico, who is expected to arrive at the Chicago Board of Elections by 9 a.m., will file 52,254 petition signatures.

The son of City Clerk Miguel del Valle Miguel Del Valle also camped out early Monday to file his father’s petitions, NBC Chicago reports. Former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun is also expected to file before the Nov. 22 deadline.

Aside from the heated race to replace Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, the February 2011 ballot will also allow voters to pick a City Clerk, City Treasurer and 50 aldermen.

WATCH folks arrive at the Chicago Board of Elections here:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

Originally reported by Huffington Post Chicago. Read the original story here.

GAME ON: 1 In 16 Chicago Voters Signed Rahm Emanuel’s Mayoral Petitions | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.