Vallas, Kennedy may be just the ticket Democrats need June 8, 2001 BY STEVE NEAL SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST Chicago schools chief Paul Vallas and Merchandise Mart president Chris Kennedy are exploring the possibility of running as a team in next year's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Under this scenario, Vallas would run for governor and Kennedy for lieutenant governor. Vallas, who removed his name from consideration for governor last winter, is taking another look in the wake of his decision to step down next week after six years as chief executive officer of the public schools. Kennedy, who has floated his name in connection with both offices, recently told state party chairman Michael J. Madigan that he would not be a candidate for statewide office next year. But Kennedy has since indicated that he might very well have an interest in running with Vallas. Democratic sources said that Vallas and Kennedy have had at least one conversation about the possibility of running as a team. Both have also discussed this idea with political allies and confidants. There would be substantial support among party leaders and grassroots Democratic voters for a Vallas-Kennedy ticket. Madigan, whose daughter Lisa is expected to be the Democratic nominee for attorney general, has encouraged both Vallas and Kennedy to seek office next year. Mayor Daley has also promoted Vallas as their party's best bet to recapture the governorship. With Vallas leaving office next week, there is still ample time to put together a credible statewide organization. September 18 is the first day that petitions may be circulated for the March 19 2002 primary. Candidates must file between December 10 and 17th of this year for the 2002 primary. Four years ago, U.S. Attorney James B. Burns was in a situation not unlike that facing Vallas. Burns, who had the option of serving another four years as federal prosecutor, was viewed by many politicians as the Democratic party's most viable candidate for governor. But he waited too long to step down as U.S. attorney and his campaign never got untracked. While there is no clear favorite for the 2002 Democratic nomination, Vallas would be facing substantial competition. Former Illinois Attorney General Roland W. Burris and former U.S. Associate Attorney General John R. Schmidt, who received more than 55 percent of the 1998 Democratic primary vote for governor, are running again. There are growing indications that Glenn Poshard, the party's '98 nominee for governor, will also join the field. The top three contenders in the '98 primary got 93 percent of the vote in a six-way field. Of the second-tier 2002 hopefuls, former State Comptroller Michael Bakalis would appear to have a better chance of moving into contention than Rep. Rod Blagojevich or state Rep. Lou Lang, who are able public officials but little known outside of their respective districts. Vallas and Kennedy, though, would move into contention almost overnight because of their name recognition and respective political networks. Former Illinois Senate President Philip J. Rock, a former state Democratic chairman, and 1994 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dawn Clark Netsch have advised Vallas on the '02 governor's race. Both Vallas and Kennedy have also sought the input of political consultants about filing deadlines for the 2002 primary and possible strategies. With Poshard looming as a threat, Vallas and Kennedy would do well to start their campaign with a walking tour that begins in Southern Illinois. The state's last Democratic governor, Dan Walker, a wealthy Chicago lawyer, made himself known to primary voters with a marathon walking tour. Vallas and Kennedy could benefit from such exposure. Poshard, who did not have a running mate in the '98 primary, recently approached state Rep. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg (D-Evanston) through a mutual friend about the possibility of running for lieutenant governor. Schoenberg, who has the inside track to become the Democratic nominee for state treasurer, would prefer to run for that office. But it is to Poshard's credit that he is looking for a quality running mate. Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown would be another strong choice. But a Vallas-Kennedy combination would be very tough to beat. -- This is the CPS Science Teacher List. To unsubscribe, send a message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For more information: <http://home.sprintmail.com/~mikelach/subscribe.html>. To search the archives: <http://www.mail-archive.com/science%40lists.csi.cps.k12.il.us/>
