Digg this
Post to del.icio.us
E-mail to a friendPatrick Botterman was one of a kind in Cook County Democratic politics -- a well-connected Democratic operative who had the guts to take on house speaker Michael Madigan and Mayor Richard Daley and the savvy to beat them. Botterman, the Democratic committeeman of Wheeling Township, died yesterday of a massive heart attack. He was 44 years old.
In 2006, he engineered Brendan Houlihan's successful campaign for Cook County Board of Review, over candidates backed by Madigan. And in 2007, he oversaw Scott Wauguespack's upset of 32nd Ward alderman Ted Matlack, who was backed by Daley and virtually every elected official on the north side.
I've interviewed Botterman enough over the years to know he didn't care if the big boys had it in for him -- in fact, he relished the fight.
There's a widespread cynicism about politics around here that undercuts the effectiveness of progressives or reformers. It says you can't beat the machine, so why even bother to try?
If there were more politicians like Botterman maybe there'd be less corruption infecting our our city and state government.
a good man
a true independent
a friend to many
Pat Botterman is in heaven, wondering whats the big deal.......
He was one of the good guys.
No.
A good guy, but all these Cook County reformers are running a loser's strategy.
Claypool made the huge mistake of thinking he didn't need to campaign anywhere but the north shore/lakefront, same with Delaney.
These white reformers need to get it through their heads that the county extends far west of Western, and far south of Chinatown.
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/03/11/this-just-...
The Pioneer Press also has an article on Pat and at the end of article are details on donations being excepted for the “Pat Botterman Scholarship Fund” at Harper College were Pat was a Trustee:
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/arlingtonheights/news/...
I have reposted my blog entry on the Capitol Fax here because I have nothing to add. He was a friend and one of the strongest advocates to all those committed to reform politics in Chicago, and his loss will be felt by many.
Simply put, Pat represented the best of those involved in Politics. He struck me as someone who would always do the hard right rather than the easy wrong, and never shied away from fighting the good cause.
He will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his many friends, his siblings, and his mother.
May he rest in peace.
The daley people still hide behind names!
Thats why Botterman was successful.
He knew the daley crew was always hiding in the closet.
Coconate hit the nail on the head there. That's exactly what Pat's reaction would be to all of this. He was a good political operative, a great person, and a best friend.
Note to the people on this board mocking the man's death before he is even laid to rest. Do you have no shame? You would be lucky to receive as much adoration when you pass. There is a very hot and flame-filled place reserved for you cold hearted people when you expire.
Please don't try to play word games about a dead man's name.
Please stay out of a discussion of a dead man. Patrick McDonough--better yet please just stay off this board.
First it's 'Richard Daley', then 'Pat Bottomman', now 'Carl'.
Make up your feeble mind, oreo.
The irony is that Botterman thought that Coconate was an unprincipled operator for sale to the highest bidder.
God Bless You.
Ron