THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
Last-Minute Challenge Just Partisan Bickering?
By TOM ROBB
Journal reporter
State Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano (R-77th) blames powerful Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan for ordering a last minute political maneuver that resulted in an election day challenge.
Saviano said the move was the result of partisan bickering between Madigan and Republican House Leader Tom Cross.
Saviano represents most of Rosemont.
The move was designed to show Democratic strength in Leyden Township and to avoid a filing deadline in order to keep the Democrats' options open in
the 77th Dist. through the end of summer. Steve Brown, a spokesman for
Madigan dismissed Saviano's claim.
"He (Saviano) is probably not well informed," said Brown. Democratic Committeeman and Cook County Democratic party Chair Barrett Pederson,
solicited the support of two other Democratic committeemen on Apr. 7 to place himself on the ballot to run against Saviano in the November election. The placement came just before the filing deadline. He removed himself from the ballot the following week on Tuesday, Apr. 15.
Pederson told the Journal that senior party leaders, who he would not identify, directed him to do it. Saviano identified that senior
party elder as Michael Madigan and said the move was retaliation against Cross.
By placing himself on the ballot and withdrawing, Pederson said the party extended its ability to place a candidate on the ballot through the end of
this summer. Brown said Saviano was "portraying himself as a victim." He
said the practice of placing and removing a candidate from the ballot to hold it open, "happens all over the state by Republicans and Democrats."
Brown said, however, there is a possibility Saviano may have a challenger.
"We'll look at the district and there'll be a candidacy launched," said Brown adding, "but that will be up to local officials."
Pederson said there are no current plans to challenge Saviano in the Tuesday, Nov. 4 general election, but said the maneuver was a show of force by Democrats in the long time Republican stronghold.
"It lets people know there's a Democratic presence here," said Pederson.
Gary Mack, spokesman for Rosemont Mayor and Leyden Township Republican Committeeman Brad Stephens, said he did not feel that Madigan was trying to flex his muscles but added the whole state is trending Democratic.
"It shouldn't surprise anyone that Madigan would field a candidate against Saviano," said Mack. He said Stephens believes Saviano is, "One of the most outstanding representatives in Illinois." He said Saviano represents the district well and maintains a good, close relationship with Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
After Pederson pulled out of the race, he and Saviano sounded consolatory tones.