Politics: Shadid for mayor of Peoria?
Two different sources — who asked to not be named — tell me that’s the rumor going around Peoria. These sources belong to different parties and don’t run in the same circle of friends.
Here’s what one tells me:Â If Shadid does run, the motivation will be political payback and an attempt to relieve boredom.
- He’s mad at Mayor Jim Ardis for endorsing Ernie Russell over Dave Koehler for State Senate back in 2006, and considers it a betrayal.
- He’s bored with retirement and wants to be in the center of the action.
- He’s mad at Ardis for backing Darin LaHood over Kevin Lyons, and Shadid was co-chair of Lyons’ campaign.
One source tells me that a lot of this is ego on Shadid’s part. Shadid is taking too much credit for Ardis winning the mayoral election in 2005. Shadid’s endorsement came after a four-man primary election, instead of before, when it would have done Ardis the most good.
I’m guessing Shadid, a Democrat, also took some grief for endorsing a Republican like Ardis, and might think that this entitles him to expect that Ardis would not back someone Shadid opposed. That’s a little unrealistic, considering they are in two different parties. But then, Shadid places a premium on loyalty.
Another source, while not confirming having heard the Shadid rumor, said it makes sense. He heard that Steve Shearer, who managed Aaron Schock’s successful campaign for Congress, is no longer looking for a candidate to run against Adris (which would have been payback to Ardis for endorsing Jim McConoughey in the primary). The next logical source of opposition is State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons and the Democrats.
And Ardis might not even run for re-election. Ardis has many admirers, but he also has his detractors. He’s not happy with how the council has, of late, become more acrimonious. If friends and allies Bob Manning and Bill Spears decide against running, Ardis probably will not run for re-election.
If Ardis doesn’t run, look for George Jacob to do so. General Parker, husband of city employee/School District 150 member Rachel Parker, is planning a run. He’s supposedly bought street signs already.
I’ll try to have a more complete list of potential Peoria City Council candidates later today.
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November 7th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I just love this word PAYBACK , this is not doing what is best for THE PEOPLE . This to me is a game and we the PEOPLE suffer . I feel Mayor Ardis has been a great Mayor, he really cares about the PEOPLE . As far as Schock , he and his team will supporting our Mayor , if he decides to run. As far as Councilman Jacob goes , he would make a great Mayor . I will be supporting Mayor Ardis. Shame on People who feel Mayor Ardis has not done a great job. The biggest problem he has , HE CARES about us and our city too much . When i read this stuff , people don’t really want change , its just a word.. My quality of life in my neighborhood is much better due to our Mayor . So when the word payback comes , i hope all the people remember , if Mayor Ardis decides not to run, he has done an AWESOME JOB for the PEOPLE and not for his personal Agenda….. This is so sad …
November 7th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
This would be an unwise move for Shadid. He would wage a spirited campaign for sure, but he wouldn’t win and that would be an unfortunate negative ending for his career in politics. However, I also think his ego has him making the race.
Ardis might not run, but I think he probably will run and if so, he will win. Expect a free for all with a great many candidates if he does not run again.
Some of the district races for council will be very interesting.
A flurry of announcements should be made soon as petitions are due next month.
November 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I think Billy Spears will run. He wouldn’t know what to do without a pulpit to fall asleep behind. Bet he’s kicking himself in the ass for not making another run for the State Representative position.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
If Ardis doesn’t run for mayor, I think Barbara Van Auken will run for mayor.
Billy Spears has lost two elections before and I think he is about to rack up a third. Good things come in threes.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Billy: book this one: George Shadid will not run for Mayor, Teplitz cannot take another sound beating and Jim Aridis run and remain our Mayor.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Yeesh, this thing has the makings to become a real circus!! A lot will depend on whether or not Ardis runs again. If he doesn’t run, it will be a hilarious free for all that will create more embarrassing memories for Peoria. If he does run again, I would love to see him run again and get beat. (Like Shadid, I guess I’m still a bit pissed over his last minute political hail mary to save Darin LaHood. However if he runs again, it is unlikely that he would lose, fundraising is easy when you are close to all of the big ol republican money in town. None the less, this is going to be a lot of fun to watch! For entertainment’s sake, I hope Ardis A: doesn’t run, ushering in the free for all or B: Runs and gets serious opposition. Let the games begin!
November 8th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Mamma Hen nailed it. This post demonstrates an emerging standard of behavior that is very damaging to our Democracy. The interest in the race according to Punditry is “what will be more fun and entertaining to watch” as opposed to what is best for the city and people of Peoria. Decent, qualified, honest candidates are becoming increasingly reluctant to run because of the personal and professional price they pay at the expense of people that have no life other than to sideline and take vicious pot shots at the people they wish they were. Some of you people are sickening.
If Ardis doesn’t run again I wouldn’t blame him. Who needs that shit? Let you all get what you wish for.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Billy, Where do you get this stuff? No I have not bought any signs and I already told the Journal Star that I will not be running for Mayor.
Please, One other thing. My wife and I are two entirely different people and I am getting a little fed up with you mentioning her name and positions every time you write about me. You can dislike me all you want, but when you include my wife, an innocent party, you are opening up an entirely new can or worms. Can you please give her that much respect? Or you can mention CJ’s wife, Ardis’ wife, Manning’s wife or Beth’s husband. (Get the hint?)
November 9th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
General: if you are going to run for public office you better get used to the heat or whatever!