While the state’s major political leaders engage in a Game of Thrones-style face-off as the budget crisis deepens, Chicago’s most troubling financial problems–from pensions to keeping school doors open–are festering. This week on The Aldercast, publisher Mike Fourcher sits down with four political hands familiar with Chicago’s unique problems and the political forces behind Springfield’s seemingly intractable budget standoff to find out why.

• Ryan McLaughlin of Mac Strategies, who advises multiple Republican candidates and conservative organizations


• Joanna Klonsky of Joanna Klonsky Communication Strategies, who provides media consulting on progressive issues in the state and city


• Victor Reyes, the co-founder of lobbying firms Reyes Kurson and The Roosevelt Group, and former director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Mayor Richard M. Daley


• John Dunn, Partner at McGuire Woods Consulting, where he lobbies on state and city issues, also former director of Intergovernmental Affairs for former Mayor Richard M. Daley

The group explains what role Mayor Rahm Emanuel could play in breaking the logjam, why so much of the state’s political future seems like it’s built on billionaires, and predictions for just how high the price of 2018 elections will be.

Our thanks to our friends WGN Radio for allowing us to use their studios. Got comments, questions, or suggestions? Please send us an email: [email protected].