Progress Illinois

Some interesting goings-on surrounding the 2010 Democratic primary for Cook County board president.  After hinting back in April that he was interested in the seat, Rep. Danny Davis has taken a major step forward by forming an exploratory committee, as the Sun-Times reported last week:

Davis commissioned a poll which showed “very favorable” numbers for his run, Romero said, including placing him 7 points ahead of County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, the presumptive front-runner who pulled out of the race last week.

I'm guessing those are head-to-head numbers and therefore didn't include current incumbent Board President Todd Stroger or Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, who is also pursuing the seat. 

Speaking of Preckwinkle, she is launching her "summer voter outreach campaign" at an event this afternoon with Dr. Quentin Young. From a press release:

"Cook County needs to become more transparent and open at all levels," Preckwinkle said. "One change among many I support is the institution of monthly financial reports for the county health system, including benchmarks for both revenue and expenses." The county health system makes up more than 30 percent of the county's budget.

Meanwhile, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart appeared on Fox Chicago Sunday over the weekend and was asked about the race.  He said it is "an office that intrigues" him and that he is "looking at it."  He also responded to Preckwinkle's recent remark that he is a "regular organization guy" (i.e. a Democratic party insider). Watch it below:

Finally, Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown announced her candidacy on Friday.  The Tribune article included this tidbit:

Brown recently said she would stop accepting cash birthday gifts from employees after learning the Tribune was going to publish a story about the long-running practice in her administration.