Chicago Democrats Move For Tougher signature demands for aldermanic races

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Just getting in the race to take on a Chicago alderman in next year's election could get tougher if a change proposed by a lawmaker from the Cook County Democratic establishment becomes law.

To secure a ballot spot, aldermanic candidates would have to gather at least 500 valid voter signatures -- the same number now required of state representatives, whose districts have nearly twice the number of residents as city wards -- under legislation making its way through the Illinois House.

Foes said the change could protect Democrats and aldermen who have organizations behind them. They noted it takes two to three times the number of required signatures to withstand the petition challenges often mounted by party regulars.

"In the lowest turnout wards, it's going to have an effect," said Cindi Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. "I don't see that we have a problem that requires this. I'm more concerned with making it easier for people to run, not harder for people to run."

No word from Chicago Mob linked political boss Alderman Burke on this one.