Ex-Daley watchdog would seek his endorsement in general election

Senate primary candidate David Hoffman, who made headlines investigating Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's administration, says he hopes to use the Democrat's political muscle to win the general election.

"I would seek his endorsement," Hoffman said during Thursday's taping of WBBM's At Issue program on 780AM.

Despite having publicly humiliated the Daley administration by exposing hiring and contract fraud, among other investigations, Hoffman said he thinks he can win the mayor's support if he wins the five-way Democrat primary.

In laying out his case, Hoffman stressed that he holds policy views similar to Daley and also worked to fight Chicago street gangs as a federal prosecutor.

"I know that he is someone who is very passionate about reducing the level of gun violence... we are absolutely on the same page on this," Hoffman said.

Daley has not endorsed a candidate in the primary, which also includes Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias of Chicago, former Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson, Chicago attorney Jacob Meister and Burr Ridge radiologist Robert Marshall.

Incumbent Roland Burris, who was appointed last year by outgoing Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill Barack Obama's empty seat, is not running for election.

In turning to Daley for political support just months after serving as his inspector general, Hoffman could open himself up to allegations that he is embracing the status quo despite having made a name for himself fighting it.

Hoffman maintained he can keep his corruption-fighting image while at the same time relying on the traditional Democratic organization to get out the vote and raise money.

"I will always be independent and stand up to people when I see problems," Hoffman said.

"But we are talking about Democratic values that are progressive and we are talking about keeping this seat Democratic and I'm highly confident that my independence will be maintained."

Hoffman pointed out his numerous investigations of Daley's administration as evidence he is independent of the mayor and would continue to be even with his political support.

"I certainly was never seeking his endorsement when I was inspector general and that is the point," Hoffman said. "My bosses were the taxpayers of the city of Chicago."

At Issue will air on WBBM 780AM at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

The primary is Feb. 2 and early voting is now underway.