Of course there’s quite a bit of hype about the court ruling today removing Rahm Emanuel from the Chicago mayoral ballot. Supporters are crying foul, while detractors are either rejoicing or bemoaning the potential consequences – none good. On the one hand, there’s a possibility that Emanuel will be replaced with someone more objectionable, and on the other, there’s the possibility that he will succeed in getting placed on the ballot through an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.
If the latter, Illinois may as well throw out their standing election procedures. The current residency requirement appears fairly straightforward – one year residency in the given municipality prior to running for office. Sorry folks, but living in Washington, D.C. while renting one’s Chicago home to another party does not add up to “legally residing” in Chicago. For those that are curious, the opinion of the Illinois Appellate Court is here.
But hey, maybe I don’t know anything about these things. Okay, maybe I do, or at least maybe these folks figure I do, since I’m listed as an instructor on running for public office there this spring.
Update: The Illinois Supreme Court has spoken, sort of. They ordered that Emanuel’s name remain on the ballot, pending their decision. If they don’t choose to hear the case, his name is off again. Also, predictable if nothing else, Emanuel’s good friend Obama stated his disagreement with the ruling of the Appellate Court. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves whether or not a sitting President has any business whatsoever making comments on rulings of states’ court rulings…
Update Part Deux: Seriously considering renaming this one “Breaking the election rules in Chicago.” I would like to say that I’m surprised at the ruling of the Illinois Supreme Court, but in all honesty, it was utterly predictable. It would be nice if “residency” had the same meaning for politicians as it does for city employees. At least then there wouldn’t have been a debate in the first place. Given that Emanuel’s campaign war chest has been supported substantially by people outside Chicago, one must wonder what he will do if he wins the election. The rules of the game typically include repaying investment in a campaign with “favors” of one kind or another, and Emanuel will theoretically have to “help” quite a few from outside Chicago. Well, maybe the people from Chicago will think twice before voting for him if they seriously consider that. Ok, maybe not.
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