occupy on the ballot in chicago's 49th ward. sorta.

[mopinko]

so, both my alderman, joe moore, and democratic committeeman, david fagus, have had their jobs for 20 years. they are both great progressives, and the ward is affectionately known as the people's republic of the 49th ward. they really are both doing a fine job and are welcome to stay as long as they want the jobs as far as i am concerned.
the committeeman is being challenged in the march 20th primary by someone who has been very involved in occupy chicago. jim ginderske has been a part of the ward organization for a while, on the board, although he did run for alderman several years ago.
after the unanimous vote for rahm emanuel's budget, our regular meeting got a visit from occupy. the speaker that night was our congresswoman, jan schakoswky. joe got mic checked, i guess cuz they figured he would be one of the lone dissenters, as he often has been. nobody minded until they finished their schtick, and turned and scurried out the door, snickering. both joe and jan implored them to stay and talk. a handful did.
honestly, it was childish, and annoyed a lot of folks. jan especially is a supporter, had been down to several occupy events, and was really insulted.
anyway, things were said, jim got pissed and decided to run for committeeman.
jim is a good guy, tho a bit of a hothead. he is sincere in his desire to work for change. i don't think very many people know anything about the reason for his candidacy. but for those who do it will be a choice between a very good democrat and occupy. it will be a tough choice.