Ailing Cook County Executive Bows Out
Cook County’s chief executive, who had a stroke more than three months ago, dropped his reelection bid and will retire July 31, according to a letter his office released Friday.
The decision paves the way for the son of Cook County Board President John H. Stroger Jr. to replace him on the November ballot. Stroger has not been seen or heard from publicly since his stroke a week before he won the March primary.
“This is a personal decision that is being made because of my current physical limitations,” said a letter in the name of the 77-year-old Democrat. The three-term incumbent first was elected county board president in 1994.
The retirement decision is a switch from earlier in the week, when Chicago Alderman William M. Beavers, acting as his spokesman, said Stroger would serve out his term, which ends in December.
Chicago Alderman Todd H. Stroger, John Stroger’s son, said his father wanted him to take his place on the ballot against Republican Commissioner Anthony J. Peraica.
Peraica has decried such a deal, saying the elder Stroger was trying to hand over his office “as if it was part of his estate.”
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