Stroger quits father's party post, done with politics

Cook County President Todd Stroger has quit his post as Democratic committeeman in Chicago's 8th Ward, and he all but announced his retirement from politics after today's County Board meeting.

"I'm going to continue to be involved in public service," Stroger said, "but I won't be running for office any time soon."

Quitting the committeeman position was more than symbolic, as Stroger's father, John Stroger, built the 8th Ward Democratic organization into his political power base as he became the county's first black president.

Yet the younger Stroger never displayed the same political savvy after replacing his father in both positions in 2006, and the weakened state of the 8th Ward organization was apparent as Stroger finished fourth and last in the Democratic Primary in his run for re-election last month.

Stroger was replaced by Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris, as elected by precinct captains, and she'll take part in the election for Cook County Democratic Party chairman Wednesday.

Board of Review Commissioner Joseph Berrios was expected to be re-elected. The same went for Lee Roupas as Republican Cook County chairman, as he is thus far unopposed.