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Kramer Endorses Smith, David Orr Endorses Vickrey in Polarized 43rd Race

By Paul Biasco | March 19, 2015 10:41am
 Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) speaks during a 43rd Ward debate hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.
Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) speaks during a 43rd Ward debate hosted by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.
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DNAinfo/Paul Biasco

LINCOLN PARK — Endorsements continue to roll in in the 43rd Ward as former candidates and city politicians pick sides in the highly polarized race.

Jen Kramer, the third-highest vote getter in the 43rd Ward general election, threw her support behind Ald. Michele Smith Thursday morning.

Cook County Clerk David Orr announced his support for Caroline Vickrey, Smith's challenger, Thursday afternoon.

Kramer announced her support for Smith in a letter to her campaign email list citing the Children's Memorial Hospital redevelopment as the tipping point in her decision.

Kramer, a Navy Pier director who had the backing of former Ald. Vi Daley, said although she and Smith have their differences, they agree that the proposed redevelopment of the hospital site must move forward.

"Michele's hard work at developing a positive, workable plan for the future of the Children's Memorial Hospital property is of critical importance to me, and certainly to our neighborhood" Kramer said.

Orr, who previously served as alderman of the 49th Ward and briefly as mayor following Harold Washington's death, cited Vickrey's involvement in the community, county, city and state in his endorsement for Vickrey.

"We need more people of her integrity, ideas and independence in government as we face the many challenges and opportunities confronting our great City," Orr said. "...I have witnessed numerous candidates running for office at all levels of government. None have been more prepared to lead than Caroline."


Caroline Vickrey and Cook County Clerk David Orr

Kramer, who received about 17 percent of the vote in February, said she originally intended to support Vickrey, but changed her mind over Vickrey's plan to attempt to renegotiate the Children's Memorial redevelopment.

"I said things on the campaign trail about the alderman that wouldn’t obviously lead to this conclusion, but when I examine her record as a whole and compare her to the proposed plans set by candidate Caroline Vickrey, this is the choice I must make," Kramer said.

Another factor in Kramer's decision was the mayoral race.

Kramer said she supported the re-election of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and said Vickrey's refusal to fully endorse him was a reason she was not supporting her.

Vickrey has stated that she was voting for Emanuel.

The other former candidate in the race, Jerry Quandt, also endorsed Smith in her re-election bid.

The race has gotten nasty, bringing in personal property taxes and old emails as the runoff election day nears.

Former aldermen of the ward have also jumped into the race, and those who have are split on the candidates.

Bill Singer and Edwin Eisendrath endorsed Vickrey, while Marty Oberman and Chuck Bernardini announced their support for Smith.

For full coverage of the 43rd Ward race, click here.

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