Was There Really Chrism Used at the Allegro?

The Chicago media seem to wax poetic when blood appears on the surface of pond political. I heard and read the word 'anoint' more than several times in reference to Tom Dart's endorsement from the Cook County Democratic Committeemen: thus, from Jonathan Lipman of the Daily Southtown - "The session was an anointment for Dart, whom Sheahan has pushed as his successor since making his surprise announcement last week. Both come from the city's powerful 19th Ward."

In the same report, Rep. Rev. Bobby Rush (D.) sullied Dart's racial sensitivities and suggested that the former legislative collaborator of Barack Obama wore ' a hood in his head.'

The infectious poetry sounding from many similar reports confuses poor prosaic dopes like me. Did the sacramental oils actually anoint Dart's endorsement? I was not present, so I can only accept what was reported.

Tonsured and prostrate , the prone Dart did obeseince to mitred pontiffs of the Cook County Democratic Party. Following the intonation of antiphons and te deums, the holy oils were applied to the now sanctified fingers, lips, and tonsure of Thomas Dart.

Archpresbyter Bobby Rush struck his crozier three times before rending garments and proclaiming Dart excommincato et anathema! Dart was accussed of wearing his 'hood IN his head and not ON his head' as custom and dignity ordains. How's Dart get his 'hood' in his head anyway?

The full text of the Daily Southtown article follows:

Dems tap Dart to succeed Sheahan
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
By Jonathan LipmanStaff writer
Former state legislator Tom Dart won the Democratic Party endorsement Monday to succeed Michael Sheahan as Cook County sheriff, but not without bitter resistance from U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, who compared Dart to members of the Ku Klux Klan.
After urging the slating committee to question Dart's record on supporting minority issues in Springfield, Rush (D-1st), of Chicago, told reporters he found Dart "repulsive."
"Dart represents to me a kind of Klansman," Rush said. "One that don't wear a hood over the head but one that has a hood in the head."
Clearly aware of the resistance from black officials, Dart listed black Democratic politicians he has worked with and projects he's worked on in minority communities. He also said he and his wife set up a tutoring program for students at a predominantly black school.
He told the members of the Cook County Regular Democratic Organization assembled Monday the sheriff's office "is something I desire from the bottom of my soul."
As Sheahan's chief of staff and as a legislator, Dart said he's worked on the issues he will focus on as sheriff.
"I think I can take all that experience and put it into the sheriff's office," Dart said. "There are so many things we can do to keep people out of our jails."
While he insisted his attacks were not personal, Rush has long held a grudge against Dart for Dart's role in organizing political campaigns against Rush for mayor and Congress.
The congressman's voice was the loudest in a general murmur of discontent audible at the Allegro Hotel on Monday, where the Democrats met for the second Monday in a row.
The session was an anointment for Dart, whom Sheahan has pushed as his successor since making his surprise announcement last week. Both come from the city's powerful 19th Ward.
Rush and a handful of other South Side black politicians unsuccessfully pushed for the party to endorse no candidate, saying the process was too rushed. Hispanic politicians also argued for a process that would include more minorities on the countywide slate.
"We should start living what we claim, which is the party of diversity," said Cook County Commissioner Robert Maldonado of Chicago's Northwest Side. "We did not give one single consideration to a Hispanic candidate for sheriff."
Dart still might face opposition in the primary. Four other candidates sought the party's endorsement, most notably former Chicago alderman and county board of review commissioner Robert Shaw, who threw his name into the ring at the last minute.
"I served as alderman for 16 years in this city of Chicago. Didn't get indicted, never served any time," Shaw said proudly and to great laughter from the assembled state and local leaders.
Shaw said he was not yet sure if he'd run without the party's support. He promised a "breath of fresh air" for the sheriff's office.
Also asking for the nomination were attorney and political organizer Frank Avila and three current or retired sheriff's officers: Sylvester Baker, Richard Remus and Bob Maxwell.
Rush said he wasn't sure who he'll wind up backing in the spring primary. He and other black elected officials are hosting interviews with prospective candidates at a meeting tonight.
In the past, Rush has endorsed Republican challengers to Dart. He wouldn't rule out the same thing happening again, and the Republicans already have a Hispanic candidate, Peter Garza, in the race.
"Our options are open, we won't close any doors," Rush said.
Jonathan Lipman may be reached at jlipman@dailysouthtown.com or (312) 782-1286.