On the heels of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley’s unexpected announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2011, speculation among political experts is rampant regarding potential successors to Daley’s long held keys to City Hall. Rumored candidates are thought to include White House Chief of Staff and former Chicago Congressman Rahm Emanuel, the Reverend Jesse Jackson’s son Jonathan Luther Jackson, and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. As gossip and innuendo swirls, those in the know suggest that one fact is nearly certain: Chicago’s 2011 mayoral ballot will include at least three difficult-to-pronounce Eastern European last names.
Local politicos are fascinated by what they see as a highly unpredictable field of candidates. Miles Frick, a University of Chicago professor and longtime student of Chicago politics, listed a number of critical uncertainties he is watching, including, of course, whether Rahm Emanuel throws his hat in the ring, whether prominent African-American politicians coalesce behind one figure, or whether a relatively unknown county government official named Wiskenewakawski makes a play for City Hall.
“I’ve followed Chicago politics a long time and this is without a doubt the most exciting, unpredictable election I’ve ever witnessed,” said Frick. “But no matter what happens, I promise you that the ballot will definitely be stuffed full of Slovenians, Slovakians, Hungarians, Pols, Lithuanians and all the vowels they can muster.”
When asked to flag some unpronounceable last names to watch over the coming months, Frick suggested 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waugespack, 23rd Ward Alderman Michael Zalewski, prominent labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan, 16th District Cook County Commissioner Anthony Peraica, and, most prominently, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky as peculiar mixtures of syllables to keep an eye on. (Frick did disclaim that Schakowsky belongs in a seperate political category from the rest due to the relatively high vowel:consonant ratio in her last name.)
Not everyone shares Frick’s opinion that the Mayoral race will inevitably feature candidates with impossibly difficult-to-pronounce last names. Some experts contend that the ongoing raging backlash against former Governor Blagojevich and his difficult-to-pronounce last name will sour voters’ view of all candidates whose last names connect vowels in weird and unexpected ways.
Growing up outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Chandler formed a youthful and lasting love for sports, politics, comedy and melted cheese (full disclosure). The Chicago Dope is where his four loves often converge. He hopes you think this site is as dope as he does. 
