Mujica and the Chicago Socialist Campaign: A Small Battle in a Larger War

By Bob Roman

The usual practice for lefties defeated in electoral politics is to claim victory, victory in the sense of having spread the word, victory in the sense of building an organization, victory in the sense of whatever plausible argument comes to hand. In the case of Jorge Mujica’s campaign for 25^th Ward Alderman, we can safely assert it was a successful proof of concept: The “socialist” label, in some neighborhoods, is not a handicap even if it is not an asset. Begging your pardon but I’ve been saying as much for years. Through our participation, Chicago Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) did earn a reputation as an organization that delivers on its commitments. But the campaign intended to establish a socialist presence in Chicago government and that requires victory.

Should Chicago Unions Have Backed a Socialist Instead of Chuy García?

The “see, we told you so!” reaction by socialists to Rahm Emmanuel’s victory over Jesús “Chuy” García in the recent mayoral runoff was as predictable as it was hypocritical. Scott Jay’s editorial in New Politics is but one example of this kind of reaction which combines self-vindication and bravado with an utter lack of awareness of Chicago’s political terrain. This know-it-all know-nothingism becomes painfully obvious when Jay writes:

Left Candidate Defeated in Chicago’s 25th Ward Alderman Race

Candidate	# of Votes	% of Total
Danny Solis	3,811	51.1
Byron Sigcho	1,383	18.5
Jorge Mujica	907	12.2
Roberto “Beto” Montano	748	10.0
Ed Hershey	614	8.2

Source.

Splitting the left anti-Rahm vote three ways was clearly a mistake. Hopefully the lessons of this campaign will be discussed at what looks to be a promising left electoral conference in May.

Some background (care of In These Times):