Mayor Places Olympian Bet on Chicago's Bid for Games

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Richard M. Daley isn't used to losing votes. Arguably America's most powerful mayor, he has won six straight elections, helped put countless others -- including a president -- into office and lost just four votes in the City Council over the past 20 years.

But on the eve of the International Olympic Committee's vote Friday on whether Chicago will host the 2016 Olympic Games, Chicagoans have abandoned their first citizen just when Mr. Daley needs them the most.

The Second City is weary after months of recession and Illinois corruption scandals, and angry about everything from rising taxes to deepening potholes. The city is especially skeptical of Mr. Daley's Olympic push: After pledging Chicago wouldn't pay a cent should the Games lose money, the mayor later said Chicago would cover any potential shortfall.

An article well worth your time. Along with this one.