Far below the radar of the presidential primary, voters also decided some intensely local turf battles in Chicago’s 50 wards, electing Democratic committeemen.Does this mean that we'll see the emerging Jackson "dynasty" coming into it own being a force to reckon with in the future? We'll have to see! They can't keep pouncing on the Beavers machine just to prove they are.
Being a ward boss doesn’t come with nearly the clout it meant in the golden era of machine politics, as the power of local ward organizations has declined sharply under Mayor Richard Daley.
But defeat in a committeeman race can hasten the fall of a local elected official, while victory can help an unstable new council member solidify his or her power base.
In the 7th Ward, freshman Ald. Sandi Jackson won a landslide victory over incumbent committeeman William Beavers, a county commissioner. The win helps further consolidate power in South Side black wards in the alderman’s husband, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.).
More local races at Clout Street here.
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