State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz
(Chicago, IL) — December 18, 2009. Democratic state representative candidate Ann Williams has reeled in a key endorsement from State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) for the 11th district House seat being vacated by John Fritchey on Chicago’s north side.
“[Ann Williams] has the experience, smarts, and tenacity to push for solutions that make a real difference in the lives of the people she represents, even when those solutions aren’t popular with the Springfield power-brokers,” said Feigenholtz, hugely popular in her lakefront district which lies adjacent to Fritchey’s.
Feigenholtz broadly expanded her political profile after an unsuccessful run for Rahm Emanuel‘s congressional seat earlier this year–without sacrificing her popularity–making the veteran lawmaker’s nod a valuable boost to Williams.
In addition to Feigenholtz, Williams has also won the backing of other top Democratic lawmakers. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Deputy Majority Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie)–the number two and three leaders respectively in the Illinois House–have endorsed Williams’ candidacy.
In addition to Currie and Lang, Williams has also won the support of State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook), State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), and State Senator Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).
Williams, an attorney and a state government lobbyist, is a former staffer to House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Williams, who last week snagged the endorsement of the Illinois AFL-CIO, is a key contender in the Democratic primary whose other candidates include civil rights attorney Ed Mullen and former Cook County assistant state’s attorney Dan Farley, son of former State Senator Bruce Farley (D-Chicago).
Farley has been endorsed by Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypoll, and he is also backed by powerful 47th Ward Alderman and Committeeman Eugene Shulter.
William’s growing backing by local area Democrats officials is causing heartburn among the male members of Schulter’s organization–and that heartburn is making itself known–which is only emboldening Williams’ female supporters. Schulter’s guys need to take a “Tums“.
Scott Tucker is seeking the Republican nomination.
THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER 
Ann’s experience working for Attorney General Lisa Madigan makes her a perfect candidate to be an outstanding state representative for this diverse district.
SO many community leaders are happy to hear she is running for this seat. It’s tough political times out there and when most people are jumping ship, ANN is jumping in. To me that says alot about her character!
We need more grounded women who are problem solvers and decisions makers in the General Assembly– and Feigenholtz knows it.
Posted by bossy marmalade | December 18, 2009, 9:58 AMI am a male member of Schulters organization and you are way way off in your analysis. We are strongly supporting Sen Heather Steans (a woman) and we have a long history of supporting women. I would like to see you mention that the 47th ward Democratic Party is supporting a strong independent women. Please ask around before you make such an absurd comment.
Posted by Dan Ingram | December 18, 2009, 4:52 PMDan,
It’s not an analysis. It’s a fact.
There is an elected female official on the bullying end of the organization who got a phone call this week and would beg to differ–and who is pissed. Perhaps all the males in the organization have not received the memo on its “supporting strong independent women”.
Thanks for reading.
David Ormsby
Posted by David Ormsby | December 18, 2009, 5:02 PMI am supporting Dan Farley because I feel that he is the best candidate period. Making this a an anti women campaign is absurd. We just supported two excellent candidates (Steans for Senate and Kenworthy for Judge in the last two election cycles with excellent results. Can you be more specific about these calls and about who is pissed. I am confused. Happy Holidays Dan Ingram
Posted by Dam Ingram | December 18, 2009, 6:10 PMDavid-I see you have removed my last comment and you obviously don’t want to comment further. don’t forget there are ALWAYS two sides to every story. You seem intent on only reporting one side. I understand.
Posted by Dan Ingram | December 19, 2009, 9:33 AMDan,
LOL.
I had left for dinner and had not the opportunity to hit the “approve” button. Your feedback–and campaign news–is appreciated.
At the outset of the race, I reached out to all three candidates–including Dan–to alert them to my interest in the race, Dan replied quickly to my initials questions. My coverage is highly dependent on the candidates in all races in being proactive and supplying their news and their perspectives in their respective contests. Both Ed and Ann have done so.
Thank you for reading.
David Ormsby
Posted by David Ormsby | December 19, 2009, 9:54 AMI understand completely Dave and I felt obligated to write to you because I was confused by the original statement about the males in the organization. I am not sure what transpired between the elected officials. I am sure a healthy debate on the issues is forthcoming and I am looking forward to it. I was not aware of your blog until yesterday and I will ocntinue to read. Dan Ingram
Posted by Dan Ingram | December 19, 2009, 11:10 AMDavid,
As a woman in the 47th ward, I take umbrage with your assertion that the organization does not support strong independent women. As Dan stated above, the organization supports and supported Sen. Steans, Judge Diana Kenworthy, AG Lisa Madigan, former Sen. Ronen, etc.
Also, please be aware that Dan Farley has been endorsed by Senator Steans and Congressman Quigley.
Your blog is informative and I enjoy reading your posts. Happy Holidays.
Posted by sylvie | December 19, 2009, 12:49 PMSylvie,
I’m sorry you got a case of umbrage on my account.
I only suggested that perhaps not all members of the organization got the memo on its strong support for independent women. The elected official who got a call from a captain regarding the official’s endorsement of Williams was not left with, let’s say, a warm and snuggly feeling.
Thank you for reading, Sylvie. I hope the umbrage passes quickly.
Merry Christmas.
David Ormsby
Posted by David Ormsby | December 20, 2009, 9:28 AMDavid-please don’t believe that story the a “captain” called an elected offical and chastised that person. I find that very hard to believe. The captains do not have access to elected officials and would not call any elected official period. Please don’t believe everything you hear. Sylvie don’t forget we were one of the few early supporters of one of the very best elected officials in cook county-DEBRA SHORE. I was there when she came to meet us and she received the most votes for MWRD that cycle. The proof is in the pudding so the saying goes. Love the dialogue. Merry Christmas.
Posted by dan ingram | December 20, 2009, 10:50 AMOne more thing….If you check the records you will find that in the 2006 Dem primary Debra Shore received the most votes from the 47th ward of all the 50 wards in Chicago. It is a fact and it shows that we do have a long and successful history of supporting female candidates. Thanks again.
Posted by dan ingram | December 20, 2009, 10:57 AMDan,
I tend to dismiss most of the “stories” and “tips” and other political sludge that flow through here, and that stuff never sees the light of even our grey days in this publication. So much junk. But the information in this case was fairly high-level with names and dates etc. For that reason, I generically surfaced it.
But thanks for trying to keep me honest.
Pudding? Oh, now I’m thinking of rice pudding with cinnamon on top. Yum.
David Ormsby
Posted by David Ormsby | December 20, 2009, 11:08 AMI remedied my case of umbrage with a cocktail 🙂 David, why would a precinct captain call out an elected official? Unless you are able to disclose the specifics, I, like Dan, find the story hard to believe.
Getting back to the candidates, I am thrilled Dan Farley’s in the race. He is bright, motivated, and has the leadership skills this state so desperately needs.
David, thanks for opening up this dialogue and to Dan for participating and setting the record straight.
Posted by sylvie | December 20, 2009, 12:53 PMenough with the 2 [ … ] holding court all over this comment page. let others speak their minds.
Posted by jim ryerson | January 28, 2010, 2:19 PMJim,
We keep it clean on this blog. That’s why I edited your comment.
Thank you for reading.
David Ormsby
Posted by David Ormsby | January 28, 2010, 5:03 PM