Tuesday, March 11, 2008
News / Clout City Patrick Botterman
Posted by Ben Joravsky on Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Patrick 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.
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Requiescat In Pace 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.
Pat was definately one of the good guys. It is truly a tragedy to lose him at so young an age. My deepest condolences go out to his family. May they always remember the good that he accomplished in his all-too-short life.
The guy posting as Rich Daley is trying to be funny. But thats exactly how they( the daley crew) feel when a good guy dies!
Pat Botterman had the formula to BEAT the machine. Coconate's right. The enjoy it when one of the good people die.
Formula? 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.
The Capitol Fax Blog has a tribute to Pat: http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/03/11/this-just-in-109/#comments 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/836568,pa-botterman2-031108-s1.article 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.
Pat Botterman was a great political mentor but a better friend. He touched so many people's lives and he will be missed! Rest in peace Pat, we will meet again someday!
At least the Gadfly got a quote in Mark Brown's column. Just like a bottom feeder, got a quote at someones funeral. Call the papers for a quote as the corpse cools. As he cries and wails, an opportunist. Pathic as hell.
Just like the daley people . Spin it till it hurts. Even at the expense one one of the good guys! The daley people still hide behind names! Thats why Botterman was successful. He knew the daley crew was always hiding in the closet.
"Pat Botterman is in heaven, wondering whats the big deal......." 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.
McDonough--can you please stop posting about Frank Coconate. You make yourself look like a dolt. 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.
Whoever posted as Senator Kotowski was unauthorized to do so. Pat was a brilliant political advisor as well as a great and unselfish friend. It would offend his sensibilities and raise his ire (as it has mine) if someone were to be posting or claiming to be speaking on behalf of someone else. I strongly recommend that you take that person's post off this site. Thank you.
I'm sure that it was Coconate who posted under Kotowski's name. He's pretty much the only one who will post good things about himself. He doesn't care whose name he does it under. The irony is that Botterman thought that Coconate was an unprincipled operator for sale to the highest bidder.
My dear friend you have been gone for two weeks now. I find myself reaching for the phone to call you, to ask for your advice. I owe my entire career to you. Words cannot express how thankful I am you are my friend. Till we meet again. W.W.B.D. (What Would Bottermen Do) God Bless You. Ron
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