Posted by chicagomedia.org on December 04, 2008 at 23:40:29:
Radio static: Stroger takes on Claypool
NO GROUP HUG | 'Mancow' debate may preview 2010 board president race
December 3, 2008
BY MARK J. KONKOL Cook County Reporter
Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool was all over WLS-AM (890) -- first on "Don and Roma" and later on "The Erich 'Mancow' Muller Show" -- criticizing County Board President Todd Stroger's troubled 2009 budget proposal Tuesday morning.
"Stroger said his ears were burning more than when my friends are messing with me," Muller said. "He seemed like a man who couldn't take it anymore. I'm not a huge fan of his politics, but I have to commend the guy for walking into the lion's den."
What followed was the first unofficial broadcast debate between Stroger and Claypool 14 months before their highly anticipated -- but not yet confirmed -- showdown for board presidency in the 2010 Democratic primary.
Neither has officially declared his candidacy. But the rivals shouted and talked over each other while arguing about Stroger's spending plan as if voters were headed to the polls any day now.
Claypool attacked Stroger's plan to borrow millions to pay for "normal operating expenses" -- payments to self-insurance and pension funds -- after raising taxes to record levels just six months ago. He called it a move to "cover up" Stroger's management mistakes until the next election.
Stroger struck back with venom: "Either you didn't read the budget or you don't understand government." Stroger went on to suggest Claypool is nothing more than a do-nothing politician seeking higher office.
Before running out of time, Muller's co-host, Pat Cassidy, offered up a final question: "Can we get a group hug?"
Neither Stroger nor Claypool said a word.
(Chicago Sun-Times)