CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Fifteen Chicago wards will have Aldermanic runoff elections and one of them, in the 40th ward, pits one of the most experienced Alderman against a former hip-hop artist.
The battle between longtime Alderman Patrick O'Connor and community activist Andre Vasquez is a race that may say a lot about the future of the City Council.
O'Connor, the incumbent, chairs the City Council's Powerful Finance Committee. He was forced into a runoff against Vasquez, a one-time rapper who also has a background in activism, organizing and corporate management, said residents in the ward want a change from the old ways.
But, O'Connor characterizes Vasquez as someone who spewed derogatory comments online about women, gays and immigrants in his rap lyrics. Vasquez said it was part of the music culture he left behind, and he apologized.
O'Connor countered that apology, saying it was not just art; it was his "persona."
While O'Connor reminds voters of challenger Vasquez' past history, Vasquez points out that O'Connor was one of the 29 white alderman who worked to thwart the efforts of Harold Washington, the city's first black mayor, among other things.
O'Connor insists he was not typical of the "29." He added he was the only one who voted for all of Washington's budgets.
We look at the battle for the 40th ward on our At Issue program this weekend. You can hear more on Sunday at 9:30 a,m and 9:30 pm.