Miscellaneous
Interview with columnist Russ Stewart on Cook County politics Season 3 Episode 9, Oct. 20, 2021 Ray Hanania interviews Russ Stewart who has been covering Chicagoland and Cook County Politics for more than 48 years writing for the Nadig newspaper in the Northwest Side of Chicago. In this podcast, Stewart talks with Hanania about the Cook County Democratic Organization slating that took place this past week and focuses on two key races, challenges to County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Kaegi is vulnerable but Dart seems pretty strong. A total of 72 people appeared before the slating committee seeking the Democratic Party's backing for the election primary that will be held on June 28, 2021. The primary election has been pushed back because of the COVID Coronavirus pandemic. (It's usually held in February and March in election years). The Democratic Party consists of 50 Chicago Ward Committee "persons" and 30 Suburban Township Committee "persons." Stewart argues that the political times have shifted from the dominance once held by White males to female candidates and minorities, especially Latina candidates. The Chairman of the Party is Toni Preckwinkle, who is president of the Cook County Board. Both Kaegi and Dart are being challenged by minority women. Kari Steele, the president of the Metropolitan Water Rec-lamation District (MWRD), is challenging Kaegi. Dat is being challenged by Carmen Navarro Gercone, who is backed by Clerk of Circuit Court Iris Martinez, and LaTonya Ruffin, of Markham, both former sheriff employees. Check out more of Russ Stewart's Columns by visiting www.RussStewart.com. For more information on Ray Hanania, visit his personal website at www.Hanania.com. Also check out his weekly podcast, "Two Guys on Politics" which features analysis by former Congressman Bill Lipinski.