10/04/06 - Like father, like son? Jackson disagrees

Published October 4, 2006
By John Kass

Is Rev. Jesse Jackson a political liability for his son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is considering a campaign for mayor of Chicago?

And what does Junior think of my observation that Mayor Richard Daley--worried about a challenge to his re-election--has become Mayor Soul Man?  [.... more ]

09/19/06 - Dreaming big has Jackson Jr. sizing up possible mayoral run

September 19, 2006
BY MARY MITCHELL Sun-Times Columnist

No one can accuse U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. of not having big dreams. Although the odds were against him, he's come pretty close to getting a third metropolitan airport built, even though the plans have been hijacked by an opposing group. Jackson, 41, was a political novice when he ran for Congress 11 years ago and beat out several seasoned politicians to fill the seat left vacant by a disgraced Mel Reynolds.

Not too long after that, I sat next to Jackson at a luncheon meeting and we talked about his possibly running for mayor someday.  [.... more ]

09/07/06 - Jackson Jr.'s chances of running: 7.5

Chicago Sun-Times
BY SCOTT FORNEK AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters

Predicting "it's more likely than not" that he jumps in the race, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. moved closer to a run for mayor Wednesday, saying the only hurdles are ensuring he can raise the money, register enough new voters and recruit aldermanic candidates to carry his message citywide.

"Someone must be for you in all 50 wards in the city," the South Shore Democrat said. "This cannot be a campaign for African Americans only. It can't be a campaign for Hispanics only. It can't be a campaign for whites only."  [.... more ]

09/07/06 - Rep. Jackson getting closer to mayoral run

Chicago Tribune
By Dan Mihalopoulos, Tribune staff reporter. Tribune staff reporters Gary Washburn and Mickey Ciokajlo contributed to this report

Sketching out an ambitious plan that he promised could change politics in Chicago, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) said Wednesday "it's more likely than not" that he would run for mayor next year.

In announcing that a committee would be formed to explore his chances, Jackson said there was a 75 percent chance that he would run in February, and he sought to position himself as the most viable alternative to Mayor Richard Daley.  [.... more ]

08/31/06 - Is Daley saving souls or something else?

August 31, 2006
By John Kass

I thought Rich Daley was happy as emperor of Cook County. But now I'm wondering if he wants to be Mayor Soul Man too.

How can this be?  [.... more ]