Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 05, 2009 at 10:41:57:
WIND's Cisco Cotto Contemplating Senate Run
August 04, 2009 by John DeYoung
One half of the AM 560 WIND morning team might be taking into account a change in career. Talk show host Cisco Cotto announced on his radio show that he is considering running for the U.S. Senate after hearing that Congressman Mark Kirk was the favor to succeed the empty Senate seat, which has been held by Roland Burris. In his Facebook page, Cotto stated that a friend of his talked him into running for the Senate and that he was setting up some meetings and phone calls to discuss the matter. His deliberation was also prompted by the recent appointment of the newly elected Minnesota senator and SNL alumni, Al Franken. "I know many of you think it's crazy because I'm young and have never been in politics," Cotto stated to his Facebook fans, "but someone has to do something..."
Cotto's preconceived notions of his fan's responses were mostly to the contrary. One supporter from the West Side of Chicago told Cotto on his Facebook page to," Go for it! We're behind you all they way." Another ally from Elgin tells Cotto that he would be a clear voiced candidate who happens to be Hispanic and would be a role model that the Hispanic youths need. One other Cotto enthusiast from the East Side of Chicago wrote Cotto saying, "Lots of people are behind you, supporting you Cisco - myself included. I'm ready to help on the campaign!"
However, there were a few admirers that hope that Cotto sticks with his current career or feel he wouldn't have a chance with Illinois' past political history. One of Cotto's Facebook friends asked if running for the Senate meant he would have to leave his radio show. However in a later entry, he volunteered to be Cotto's campaign manager. Another of Cotto's Facebook followers thought that he could do more for "the cause" from his current position, and one naysayer felt that a true Conservative, like Cotto, wouldn't be able to win in Illinois. "Illinois is not your traditional GOP base" he stated. Even Cotto, himself, has said that, "running would sure be an uphill battle."
There has been no word, so far, what Cotto's plans are.There is so much too consider for the morniing talk show host. One thing is his current radio show with his partner on the airwaves from 5-9 AM, Big John Howell. Both have been doing the show since 2006. The other thing is getting financial and party reinforcements. Currently, Cotto has been going around talking to conservative leaders to see what kind of support he would get. In one of his entrys, Cotto seemed very optimistic. "I have talked to some downstaters who really want another candidate to run for the Senate. Support seems to be building." Cotto stated. As of lately, the Facebook group, I Want Cisco Cotto For U.S. Senate, currently has 62 members, and it is growing more and more. It seems no matter what Cotto decides, it looks as though people are behind him whether it will be in the voting booth or listening to him in their cars during their morning commute.