The big buzz . . .
Is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle dodging — or doing?
Sneed hears speculation that Preckwinkle is considering a run for mayor may be growing legs.
Barring being drafted by the African-American community to run against Mayor Rahm Emanuel — which she ostensibly would find hard to refuse — Sneed is told Preckwinkle, 67, who assured Emanuel months ago she wasn’t running, is now being encouraged to rethink her political future.
◆ To wit: “She is being urged by some of her political advisers to run, but finding the campaign financing to go against Rahm’s money machine is a huge factor . . . and her age,” said a Preckwinkle insider.
“She’s a smart lady, but she also has an ego,” the source added.
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◆ Tough shot: If Preckwinkle decided to run, she would have only four months to pull off a Harold Washington miracle. The mayoral race in 2015 is only four months after her re-election bid in November.
◆ Kickshot: “You should see how Toni is treated when she attends Dem ward meetings recently . . . like she was the queen of the Nile,” said the source. “At the 11th Ward meeting Tuesday night, bouquets were being tossed at her right and left.”
◆ Lob shot: Karen Vaughan, Preckwinkle’s new press secretary, told Sneed on Wednesday afternoon: “She is still reaffirming her commitment to running for re-election.”
