In the wake of last Tuesday’s primary, I’ve decided to take a page from Dr. Freud and put Chicago’s voters on the couch, so to speak.
Kennedy was excoriated for his comments, especially in the Tribune, which called the remarks a “divisive fantasy.”
Well, if Rahm really was up to such shenanigans, the turnout numbers show he did a lousy job. Only about 29 percent of registered voters turned out to actually vote. Yes, that’s up from the dismal 13.3 percent turnout in the 2014 primary, a particularly gloomy low point when voters were especially apathetic and alienated. But it’s roughly the same as turnout in previous gubernatorial primaries.
Of course, this was only an advisory referendum, and probably nothing will come of it—at least, for the moment, since both Rahm and Rauner oppose legalization.
Just goes to show you what impassioned apologies can get you. (Along with tens of millions of dollars for around-the-clock commercials.)
I realize that these are difficult issues and progress takes time. But if progressive whites and anti-Rahm blacks plan to unseat the mayor, they’d better pick up the pace—the 2019 mayoral is less than a year away.
