As longtime State Sen. Rickey Hendon leaves his 5th District post, it’s time again for that most sacred of Chicago traditions: the appointment of the successor.

Supposedly, this will be an open process. The 13 Democrats charged with selecting Hendon’s replacement will interview candidates in public on March 14, a group led by Secretary of State and 27th Ward Committeeman Jesse White.

It’s hard to envision any way this will avoid inside politics, but we encourage them to take a hard look at AmySue Mertens, who was runner-up to Hendon in the most recent primary election in 2008.

Yes, she has written a column for this newspaper in the past, but we’ve gotten to know her and like her style. She’s a known quantity and was endorsed by both of the city’s daily papers in the last election.

Avoid the inside baseball.

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By who? from where?
Posted: 03/14/2011 9:30 PM

Mertens never had a chance with the committeemen who had the vote. What the Journal pushes doesn't mean anything to the politicians. So Collins gets Rickey's spot and that clears the way for her to hand off her rep position to her daughter. And the beat goes on the Chicago way.

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By Bdog
Posted: 03/14/2011 7:24 PM

Isn't it inside baseball if you push for someone who writes for your paper?

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By Gary V. from West Loop
Posted: 03/12/2011 1:11 PM

Mertens was by far the stronger candidate two years ago when I followed her challenge to Hendon. She was widely endorsed by citizen and community groups, in addition to both city newspapers. But she ran into a political buzzsaw with ten times the money and plenty of community clout. Despite the odds, she managed to win a plurality of the precincts, but fell short of capturing the seat. Let's hope those appointing a successor remember her superior qualifications in giving the 5th REAL leadership.