Candidate vs. the Machine

Chicago Tribune ^ | September 16, 2016 | Editorial Board

[PBRCat]

Jeffrey Leef is a Republican and a political novice who challenged Chicago's Democratic machine by running for Congress. He had no expectation of defeating incumbent Rep. Danny Davis, whose 7th district hasn't elected a Republican in 70 years. This was an idealistic pursuit by a citizen in defense of the endangered two-party system in Cook County.

What could possibly go wrong?

Leef got the nomination and secured enough signatures to get on the ballot. But before he could put up signs or receive a single donation, an ousted committeeman filed an objection to his candidacy with the Board of Elections. Leef wanted was to get his campaign rolling, but now he was caught in the crossfire of bizarre allegations of dirty tricks and what came to be known as the case of donkeys in elephants' clothing.

The ousted committeemen could have been real Republicans. or infiltrators. Knocking a little guy such as Leef off the ballot would allow Democrats to focus resources on other contests. Committeemen appoint election judges, so there was another motivation for Democrats to sneak across party lines. What a shameful situation, thought Leef, "We've come to the spot in Illinois where it doesn't matter if you are Republican or Democrat — you can't run for office unless you've been anointed by the Chicago machine."

Chicago Republicans, stunned by the election board's position, sued in federal court. They argued that the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of association gives Republicans the right to decide who's eligible to be a committeeman. The case moved forward quickly, but Leef's campaign still was held in limbo all summer.

The decision, rendered by Judge Milton Shadur, on Sept. 14, provided a fitting climax to this little drama. He sided with the Republicans, saving the humble candidate's place on the ballot.

[PBRCat]

Remember, there is no vote fraud or electioneering committed by the Democrats. Efforts to maintain the integrity of the ballot and the electoral process are merely intended to suppress voter rights.

Explain why Democrats would insert their people into the Republican party organization if you believe there is no election fraud.

[moonhawk]

Confusing article. Is he running for Congress or Committee man?

[PBRCat]

Leef is running for Congress (he had to be appointed as the nominee by the committeemen). The Democrats infiltrated the Republican primaries and one of their shills tried to derail Leef’s candidacy. The Republican Party is trying to expel the Democratic fakes from its Central Committee.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

The Democrat machine in Chicago will live on forever unless you line them all up in a garage like Al Capone did his enemies. Otherwise, forget it.

[Theodore R.]

Nothing can ever change in Chicago.

[scottteng]

Is this your old stomping grounds?

[PBRCat]

It is important to maintain a presence even if Republican candidates cannot win city elections. In order for statewide Republican candidates to win, they need to poll about 20% out of Chicago election precincts.

[MinuteGal]

"Is this your old stomping grounds?"

Fortunately "no". I don't know any of the players in this politcal side show....only know the usual political playing.

I'm from a beautiful, peaceful, solid GOP conservative county (which borders the Daley/Obama/Rahm Emanuel Crook.....er, Cook County) where the educated, prosperous folks have voted Republican for over a century.

Leni