Chicago Marathon 10/10/10: Politics

In previous election years I've seen a fair amount of politicking along the route of the Chicago Marathon. Not so this year. I guess that the Democrats aren't engaged this time around. Chicago last elected a Republican governor in 1929. Yes, it's a Democratic city.

But there was a bit. Most notably Tom Dart, Cook County's sheriff, greeted runners with this banner above the Randolph Street bridge on Columbus Drive, just a half mile into the race. Dart, a South Sider, is expected to run for mayor of Chicago next year.

Missing a perfect opportunity to campaign was Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd), whose West Side home is on the race course. I've seen him and said "Hello" to him during the event--yes, we know each other. Usually he's casually sipping coffee on his front lawn as the runners pass by--but perhaps he was out front earlier--or later--this time. Even in a 26 mile race, the streets need time to digest 38,000 runners. The year before his successful aldermanic win, Fioretti placed campaign signs on his front lawn. Fioretti is expected to enter the mayoral race. Dart and Fioretti are Democrats.

LaSalle Street north of the Loop becomes a boulevard with flower box medians. Taking advantage of the feature was the Libertarian Party. Lex Green is the party's candidate for Illinois governor, his running mate is Ed Rutledge. Hey, most participants didn't know that until 10/10/10.

Earlier posts:

Chicago Marathon 10/10/10: BoystownChicago Marathon 10/10/10: Saluting the troops
Miss Black Illinois completes Chicago Marathon
My 21st consecutive Chicago Marathon

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