Garrido Decides Against Recount in the 45th, but Is 'Contemplating' Suing SEIU

After conferring with his lawyers, John Garrido told me in a telephone conversation this morning that he has decided against a recount in his razor-thin loss to John Arena in 45th Ward runoff. Although he says he suspects irregularities, Garrido has no proof yet—the Board of Elections has not yet released details—and the deadline for filing for a recount is…

The End of Community Organizing in Chicago?

CHICAGOMAG.COM EXCLUSIVE: Barack Obama, the man dubbed the organizer in chief, left Chicago for the White House, and the business of community organizing in the city now faces an uncertain future. What’s more, the movement—once rooted in liberalism—is being adopted by groups on the right, including the Tea Party.

Lessons, Thoughts from the Aldermanic Runoffs

I tracked all 14 aldermanic runoff races closely most of the day and late into the evening on Tuesday. Sound boring? Not for me—not with a new mayor coming in and the possibility, slim as it might be, that aldermen under Mayor Emanuel may morph into something more lively than potted plants. Here, some lessons and thoughts I had along the way…