Forrest Claypool painted himself as the best alternative to Cook County Board President John Stroger in the March primary election, formally launching his campaign Dec. 5 at the Humboldt Park Boathouse.
For months, critics have said that neither Claypool nor fellow County Board member Mike Quigley could beat Stroger if they both stayed in the race and split the so-called reform vote, the Chicago Tribune reported. However, Claypool argued that he is the candidate with the financial backing, support and experience to beat Stroger in the March 21 Democratic primary.
According to campaign disclosure reports, Claypool had $900,000 in the bank to Quigley’s nearly $400,000. Stroger had $1.9 million plus another $639,000 available through his 8th Ward organization.