Thursday, August 27, 2009

IG Quits for Politics?

  • Chicago's corruption-fighting Inspector General David Hoffman has resigned to enter the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, removing what appeared to be a giant thorn from Mayor Daley's side.

    Hoffman enters a Democratic field vying to replace U.S. Sen. Roland Burris that already includes Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Cheryle Jackson, the president of the Chicago Urban League.

    A former federal prosecutor who specialized in breaking up street gangs, Hoffman was hired away from the U.S. attorney's office in 2005 at a time when Daley was besieged by the Hired Truck, city hiring and minority contracting scandals.

    It wasn't long before an office that had concentrated on low-level corruption and almost never conducted criminal investigations was working hand-in-glove with federal investigators.

We suppose the Inspector Generals job can be viewed as a stepping stone. The trouble is his name recognition seems low and the Democratic party in Illinois is a closed shop. Hoffman is going to have a heck of a time ginning up support and raising money, especially if the Machine is lining up behind Giannoulias.

Hoffman has a long road ahead of him if he's is truly serious about a grass-roots type run. Our only fear is that Shortshanks engineered this to remove Hoffman, the Machine goes balls out for Giannoulias and after the dust clears, Hoffman is on a train out of town. Hoffman did a lot of good here. Going to Washington DC doesn't seem like a continuation of the corruption fighting

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48 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jody will replace him. Bet on it.

8/27/2009 12:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daley probably guanteed him a seat if he backed off and destroyed his records. The machine lives another day.

8/27/2009 12:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hopefully he get name recognition in time for the Shitcago mayoral race not too far away.

8/27/2009 12:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When he loses the senate bid, let's vote him in as mayor.

8/27/2009 12:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did you really think shortshanks was going to let Hoffman hang around longer than was necessary ????If there is a replacement, it'll be someone who will play the Daley Crime family agenda.

8/27/2009 01:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Alexi is in. No prob. Thanks for playiing

8/27/2009 01:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is very bad news indeed. He won't and can't win against the Machine and now Daley will appoint some political hack to replace Hoffman.

Hoffman was effective as the IG, I wish he stayed put.

Chicago is in desperate need of reform and independent non-Machine officials.

8/27/2009 01:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congressman Mark Kirk-R is a R.I.N.O. and a Democrat in disguise. Do not be fooled by his party label.

Hoffman might be the best bet for US Senator. Illinois is a disgusting mess.

8/27/2009 01:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He'd be better off a Republican. I Like the guy but I would be questioning too many of his positions as a dumbecrat. He gone.

8/27/2009 01:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He would have a shot if he ran as a (R).

8/27/2009 01:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any vote for anyone other that Kirk is a vote for Daley.

8/27/2009 01:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Obama and his Chief of Staff, local slimeball Rahm Emanuel are trying to get Tom Dart to run for the Senate. He'll do it. Just what Illinois needs. Another whining, hand wringing, scumbag liberal who is TOTALLY uinder Daley's control. Nothing changes in this God forsaken swamp of democRAT corruption.

8/27/2009 01:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rumor has it that Hoffman will be replaced by Daley Crime Family made member, Robert Vanecko.

8/27/2009 02:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please, anybody but Giannoulias. At the podium young Alexi mimics Obama's hand/arm gestures and speech patterns like the mindless puppet he truly is. Someone please save us from this unqualified and inexperienced hack and deliver us from the swirling cesspool of Illinois politics.

8/27/2009 02:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Hoffman enters a Democratic field vying to replace U.S. Sen. Roland Burris"

-------------

Democrat? . . . then FUCK him !

8/27/2009 02:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He was going to have to leave anyway...So this is a face saving move for all. Unless Rahm helps him parlay this into something else. Purely a political decision from the reformer!

More interesting is the U of I board of trustees situation. Quinn caves into the minority squawks rather than do what his advisory panel told him to do to clear the air. There is no shame anymore, and no sense of doing things for the "people" over the doing things for oneself. Caroll and Montgomery just don't get it, neither did Roland. It's not about you, it's about US!

8/27/2009 02:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, maybe this is it finally.

WE should finally get off our collective asses and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Enough of the wailing an knashing of teeth. This is do or die time. Far be it me to trust a politician, but I can say I am starting to get that "back against the wall" feeling.

WE should consider hitting the doors for this guy, assuming he wants our help....assuming he'll deliver for us. Can't script a better resume for today's climate.

Perhaps this will be a good Shot Across The Bow. If WE finally draw together and make a good show, it will atleast be invaluable training for later causes.

http://www.hoffmanforillinois.com/

8/27/2009 02:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I imagine Daley told him to G.F.Y.S., since he put Obama in the WH.

Hoffman's career is done. NOBODY would hire this guy now.

Daley runs it.

8/27/2009 02:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He was getting too close and Daley offered him something better. It's all legit folks. Nothing to see here. Move along.

8/27/2009 03:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree, SCC. I can't believe Hoffman, a man whose intelligence has (up to now) impressed me, could have been made to believe he could enter this US Senate race with the slightest hope of beating the current frontrunner, a close friend of the President of the US, who already has established a considerable war chest already for his campaign. Hoffman will be dead in the water in this election, and then those of us who do this job every day who actually care about corruption and someone of integrity keeping watch on it will be "ass out."

8/27/2009 04:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't think DH has any intention of WINNING the senate seat - I think he's getting his name out there for recognition when he (hopefully) runs for mayor next time around. Kennedy did it waaayyy back in 1956 just to float it out there so in l960 he'd have it - and it worked. I'm not comparing Hoffman to Kennedy, mind you, just the strategy.

That's why he's running for senate - to eventually make the mayoral run.

8/27/2009 04:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

it's the chicago way. . . if you got dirt on someone you get promoted to stay quiet. anyone with five years on can see that. . .

8/27/2009 05:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everyone has their limits. You can only shovel manure so long. Shortshanks won't make a second mistake with his next IG appointment. J-Fed could be available and he's a proven team player. Why not make J-Fed the next IG?

8/27/2009 05:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Everyone has their limits. You can only shovel manure so long. Shortshanks won't make a second mistake with his next IG appointment. J-Fed could be available and he's a proven team player. Why not make J-Fed the next IG?

8/27/2009 05:52:00 AM


It'll never happen. Why would Fed Fraud agree to lower himself? He has done EVERYTHING the Daley/Burke Crime Families have asked of him, even to the extent of destroying the CPD and dragging his own legacy into shit.

More likely, I see him becoming Head of Security for Chicago 2016, should that avenue present itself.

8/27/2009 08:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kirk is a woos, Hoffman reminds me of Ratso Rizzo from Midnight Cowboy. Be careful what you wish for, you think Cozzi's the only blue shirt they'd throw in the shithouse, wake up.

8/27/2009 09:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ME THINKS DALEY AMDE SOME PROMISES TO KEEP HIM QUIET, SPEAKING OF USING YOUR OFFICE TO GET FAVORS DONE, ANYONE HEAR THE ONE ABOUT STATE REP T.M. USING HIS CLOUT TO ALLEGEDLY GET HIS SISTER IN THE POLICE ACADEMY EVENTHOUGH SHE HAD NO COLLEGE THEN F'S IT ALL UP BY ALLEGEDLY DOING SOME STUPID STUFF WITH GANG BANGERS AND ALLEGEDLY GOT CAUGHT AND IT WAS ALL KEPT HUSH HUSH about 6 or 7 years ago. things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

8/27/2009 09:19:00 AM  
Blogger Big City Police (Ret.) said...

2012 Presidential Corruption Impeachment Hearings

U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC

Evidence exhibit # 666

Transcript of phone conversation between the President and Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago:

Ring.......

Ring.......

Click...... "Hello, this is the White House, how may I direct your call?"

"I need to talk to Barack!"

"Who may I say is calling, please?"

"He said never to use my name. Just tell tell him it's the Stuttering Prick... he'll know..."

"One moment please while I forward your call."

Click... on hold... (Wind Beneath My Wings music in background). "Did you ever know that I'm your hero!"

Click... "Godfather Daley, I told you never to call me here!"

"Sorry Barack, but we've got a problem! Dat Hoffman guy is startin' to poke around the City Council and investigate ME, even afta I SPECIFICALLY said dat he has NO AUTHORITY to do dat! I'm afraid he may turn over some crap to Pat Fitzgerald, and you know what dat could lead to... hell, I could go to jail till I die, and you could get... impeached!"

"Okay, Godfather Daley, I understand. I'm still trying to push through that free healthcare thing you asked for to fu*k over the retiring coppers, but I'll look into it today... I think I have some time between my appearance at the Bears game to do the pre-game coin toss and my speech from the White House tonight renaming Washington DC to Ted Kennedy DC... wasn't Ted a good guy?"

"Yeah, Barack. Great guy. Without him, you'd a never been President. Anyway, don't drop the ball on this one, Barack! Remember what I taught you. Make Hoffman an offer he can't refuse. Give him a Senate seat or a Federal judgeship or something, but get him outta here, for BOTH of our sakes!"

"Will do Godfather! Say hi to Maggie and the kids for me, those little dickenses! And, hey... Good luck with that $3 billion cost overrun on the Olympic Village. I'd help you out, but the Federal Reserve is all tapped out from bailing out the auto industry and the banks. Fortunately there was still a little left over for us to line our pockets, you know, wet our beak as you always called it. Okay, gotta run,talk to you soon"

Click...

8/27/2009 09:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

VOTE REPUBLICAN! VOTE REPUBLICAN! This State and City is an embarrassment throughout the country due to the Democrats. VOTE REPUBLICAN! With goofs like Daley, Durbin, Obama, Stroger, Caruthers, VOTE REPUBLICAN! Even if they were running Mickey Mouse.

8/27/2009 09:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Giannoulias is a friend to Obama and a friend to organized crime. Voters across the U.S. don't realize how much organized crime has a foothold in the White House.

8/27/2009 10:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Hot Pursuit said...

That old carrot trick still works... after the tally of votes, that bullshit promise of "we'll back you" will just be typical politics.

He wasn't the first bought off and won't be the last.

8/27/2009 10:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why are Obama and the Dems's so worried about Alexi's senate run? So far the White House has tried to get Lisa, a Kennedy to be named later, and Tom Dart to run against Alexi.

According to one article Axelrod's firm is going to run the campaign and Rahm's folk will raise money and assist Axelrod's gang. Alexi is supposed to be Obama's buddy? Sure doesn't look like it...

What are they so desperate to cover up?

And why are so many Dem's running for cover in the upcoming election?
Claypool suddenly feels a need to work for Obamacare, Valas suddenly decides a doublewide in N.O. is a happening place for at least another year, Suffreden suddenly decides not to oppose the Toddler reform agenda, Lisa decides not to try for Senator or Governor when she would probably win either race...

Something big is about to break, we just don't know what yet. Or do we?

8/27/2009 10:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

David Hoffman should have taken a play from Mayor Jane Byrne's book. Stand tall, do not resign and wait for the person in power to make the next move.

Hoffman's contract expires in October 2009. Daley would make Hoffman even a bigger champion of the people, if he were to "decide" NOT to rehire Hoffman.

Hoffman could then have made a credible run at shortshanks and possibly succeeded in becoming our mayor, however, as much as I like Hoffman and wish he would topple Daley either through criminal charges or an election or both, I do not believe he has any chance to succeed in a senatorial bid in Illinois.

I must agree with a previous poster. Any vote for other than Mark Kirk in the senate race will translate to a vote for Daley. And a vote for Daley means the annointed Giannoulias will be our next senator from Illinois.

David Hoffman, please run for mayor. I will work my ass off for you.

8/27/2009 11:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Please, anybody but Giannoulias. At the podium young Alexi mimics Obama's hand/arm gestures and speech patterns like the mindless puppet he truly is. Someone please save us from this unqualified and inexperienced hack and deliver us from the swirling cesspool of Illinois politics.

8/27/2009 02:12:00 AM

-0---------------------------
Agree, heard that his parents, who own banks, financed obama senate run, and has same speech writers and acting coaches. Gianoulias speeches look fake. Hoffmans run for senate is an excuse for him to resign from ig. Wies will do same. Daley will promote weis.

8/27/2009 11:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This all seem like smoke and mirrors to me. Watch the side show.

8/27/2009 11:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was gonna vote for this dude for mayor. Dammit foiled again!!!

8/27/2009 12:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Please, anybody but Giannoulias. At the podium young Alexi mimics Obama's hand/arm gestures and speech patterns like the mindless puppet he truly is. Someone please save us from this unqualified and inexperienced hack and deliver us from the swirling cesspool of Illinois politics.

8/27/2009 02:12:00 AM

His mom and ada are weathy bankers so this clown is in, they paid off many!

8/27/2009 12:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
He was going to have to leave anyway...So this is a face saving move for all. Unless Rahm helps him parlay this into something else. Purely a political decision from the reformer!

More interesting is the U of I board of trustees situation. Quinn caves into the minority squawks rather than do what his advisory panel told him to do to clear the air. There is no shame anymore, and no sense of doing things for the "people" over the doing things for oneself. Caroll and Montgomery just don't get it, neither did Roland. It's not about you, it's about US!

8/27/2009 02:21:00 AM

montgomery lives next door to obama,any coincidence why quinn is now scared?

8/27/2009 12:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Any cops around DePaul university, there is a restaurant at 935 W. Webster, it is owned by Alexi Giannoulias and his family, they6 had it built with a loan from their family bank and never paid any balances owed to the contractors that remodeled it. Stay away from there or you will be helping him in his Senate bid

8/27/2009 12:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

8/27/2009 04:29:00 AM


From your keyboard to God's Ears.

8/27/2009 01:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Hoffman is actually pretty smart. He knows he cannot win this election but it will help to fill his campaign war chest and give him name recognition. He can then run against Daley. Plus he gets to really screw Daley because no matter who Daley blesses to replace him, that person will be under extreme scrutiny. King Rich will have a hard (but not impossible) time picking someone who won't continue the attack on Daley. Well done Hoffman, good planning.

8/27/2009 05:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If Hoffman is so good, why is Daley still running rampant? Daley routinely flaunts the law, the constitution and common decency. Once again, Where is Hoffman???

Inspector General my ass!

8/27/2009 05:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Friend sent me this...

Superb logical plan ........

Limit all U.S. politicians to two terms:

One in office and one in prison!

Illinois Already Does This.

8/27/2009 07:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
If Hoffman is so good, why is Daley still running rampant? Daley routinely flaunts the law, the constitution and common decency. Once again, Where is Hoffman???

Inspector General my ass!

8/27/2009 05:40:00 PM


I believe when the Inspector General position was created by the Chicago City Council, it was in response to city inspectors taking bribes etc.

In typical City of Chicago political style, the Alderthieves, under the direction of the Stuttering Prick, established the IG to investigate all city employees for wrongdoing with the exception of the Police Department who has their own IAD, AND the Mayor & Aldermen. He was also DENIED subpoena power regarding those three exceptions.

8/27/2009 09:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When the IGO ordinance was adopted in 1989, an amendment was passed excluding City Council members and Council staff from the IGO's jurisdiction.

http://www.chicagoinspectorgeneral.org/
office-jurisdiction.html

8/27/2009 10:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To post 9:36AM:
Very clever, great analysis. One fatal flaw: Fitzgerald doesn't care. Too many times he has turned a blind eye to blatent
Daley crimes,etc. It's Burke, Madigan, & God knows how many we don't know about, under disguised/false names. You are backing the wrong horse if you think Fitz is ever going to help Chicago,and,or Illinois get rid of
the growing cancer(s) that are in power.

8/28/2009 12:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Any cops around DePaul university, there is a restaurant at 935 W. Webster, it is owned by Alexi Giannoulias and his family, they6 had it built with a loan from their family bank and never paid any balances owed to the contractors that remodeled it. Stay away from there or you will be helping him in his Senate bid

8/27/2009 12:34:00 PM

That place is a cheesy dump with bad grub.

8/28/2009 12:41:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are right J-Fed will never be the IG. He's a team player but he will never take the cut in pay.

8/28/2009 02:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

VOTE REPUBLICAN! Even if they were running Mickey Mouse.

8/27/2009 09:43:00 AM

They are. Mark Kirk.

8/28/2009 06:31:00 PM  

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