14 want to take the 5th, one stands out

The 5th is the second-toughest Machine-controlled Democratic congressional district in Chicago. It differs slightly from the conservative 3rd District because of a handful of independent-liberal lakefront precincts comprising 18 percent of the vote.

A special primary election will be held March 3 to replace Rahm Emanuel, who went to White House heaven -- a different place from his predecessors, Dan Rostenkowski and Rod Blagojevich.

The district's power emanates from the most odiously connected elements of the Machine, lodged in the western wards and suburbs, where the line between crime and politics is often diffuse.

The big boss is state Sen. Jim DeLeo, indicted in the "Greylord" court bribery scandal, who got a hung jury in his trial then pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.

Then comes 36th Ward alderman/committeeman William J.P. Banks, sometimes accused of ties to the old First Ward -- a euphemism. He chairs the powerful City Council Zoning Committee.

William's brother, lawyer Sam Banks, often represents mobsters. Sam's name popped up in the "Family Secrets" trial as a go-between alleged to have carried payoffs to crooked cops. Of course, no one ever saw money change hands.

Sam's son James is a successful zoning lawyer, whose triumphs may be due in part to appearing before his Uncle Bill's committee.

Another fortunate zoning lawyer is candidate John "All in the Family" Fritchey, Sam's son-in-law, who just happens to have the support of most of the west-end committeemen -- though he shudders at the thought of being known as the "Machine Candidate."

State Rep. Fritchey, who also is 32nd Ward committeeman, is one of three leading candidates, along with state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz. A sliver of her district is in the 5th. She is permitted to vote a liberal/feminist line in accord with her constituency, but otherwise requires surgical removal from House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Feigenholtz disappears when key reform votes come up, such as the bill to permit recall of public officials. (Fritchey voted "no.")

The third leading candidate is County Commissioner Mike Quigley, known as a genuine reformer on the County Board. His campaign seems to be based on being more against Board President Todd Stroger than anyone on the planet -- or at least any of the 14 candidates running.

He would be a very good choice except for two factors:

1) We really need to keep him on the County Board.

2) There is a remarkable progressive running with a record of words and deeds that puts him head and shoulders above the rest.

As to the others: Two are legacy candidates, hoping to garner votes because their names are Capparelli -- same as 41st Ward Committeeman Ralph -- and Annunzio -- same as the late congressman. There is Pete Dagher, a former Clinton official, and pilot Jan Donatelli, who may be there to split Feigenholtz's gender vote.

Victor Forys, Paul Bryer, Carlos Monteagudo and Paul Thompson are little known, but acquitted themselves honorably at a Lincoln Park forum.

Better known is 40th Ward alderman/committeeman Pat O'Connor. His wife is in real estate and he arranges zoning. Their two interests profitably come together as one.

There is a capable University of Chicago economist with long credentials in public policy and journalism. Charlie Wheelan, a "centrist" Democrat, preaches the free-market gospel and globalism.

As a resident, my vote goes to labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan, author of several important books. His law partner is former Ald. Leon M. Despres, a father of progressive reform in Chicago, which speaks volumes in itself.

Recently Geoghegan (pronounced gae-gun) won a huge class-action suit against Advocate Health Care that will, according to the Sun-Times, "result in free or reduced-price care for low-income patients at Advocate hospitals."

That's typical of his successful fights for poor and working people -- translating the ideas of his books into tangible action. His record and economic ideas might just resonate in the working-class parts of the district.

But then, he may be overqualified for Congress.

Veteran political consultant Don Rose is a columnist for the online Chicago Daily Observer, where this essay was posted.