On Clinton and Obama: Even Jacksons divided/ and much more.

[Alamom]

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/clintons_illinois_cast_include.html


On Clinton and Obama: Even Jacksons divided
by Rick Pearson
12/01/07

There's always a bit of message-sending when presidential candidates release lists of "steering committees," which largely represent a way to give some valued supporters a nice title.Such was the case with the Illinois steering committee announced by Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign for the Democratic nomination for president.

Among the lengthy list of names was Alice Palmer, who was identified only as a "former state senator."
Of course, Palmer is much more than that. She was a critical component in the launch of Clinton rival Barack Obama's political career in the Illinois Senate.

Palmer was an incumbent state senator who initially wasn't going to seek re-election in order to mount a special election try for Congress. When that failed, she filed candidacy petitions to try to keep her state Senate seat. By then Obama was in the race, refused to step aside for Palmer and used legal maneuvers to bump her and three others from the 1996 Democratic primary ballot, clearing the way for his election.


>

Another notable name on the list was Jacqueline Jackson, described only as "philanthropist, business leader and community activist." Of course, she's also the wife of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is backing Obama for the nomination, as is her son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.)

Ironically, Obama's wife, Michelle, used to spend countless hours as a girl with the Jackson family in their South Side home as a friend of one of the Jackson's daughters.

Another of the Jackson sons, businessman Yusef Jackson, is on the steering committee and has been fundraising for Clinton.



Other notables include,
Jack Franks, State Representative
Joan Murphy, Cook County Commissioner
Daniel Solis, Chicago City Alderman
John Rednour, Mayor of DuQuoin
Neil Hartigan, Former Attorney General
Alice Palmer, Former State Senator

Valerie Alexander, Public Affairs Executive and Former Chief of Staff (Chicago) for Sen. Durbin
Stacey Zolt Hara, Former Illinois Communications Director to Sen. Dick Durbin

Patrick Ouimet, Chairman, McHenry County Democratic Committee
Iola McGowen, Former First Vice Chair, Democratic Party of Illinois

See entire list @

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3776382&mesg_id=3776382

[Rock_Garden]

1. Thanks for the background, alamom.

This has been the most interesting race I can remember, for a variety of reasons. You're very well informed.:hi:

[Nedsdag]

2. Daniel Solis

is Clinton campaign chairman Patti Solis Doyle's brother.

Alice Palmer is still bitter over Obama challenging her signatures in the 1996 race but that's politics, sister!

[Alamom]

3. Thanks for the kick.

:hi: