With just two weeks to go before voters cast their ballots for the next city council, players in Chicago’s political arena are still calling out their endorsements in the race. But in the city’s 43rd Ward, not all the candidates are listening.

Leading the pack on endorsements to replace departing Ald. Vi Daley in the North Side ward are second-time contenders Michele Smith, the ward’s Democratic committeeman, and hospital executive Tim Egan.

Smith, who narrowly lost the aldermanic race in a runoff in 2007, has garnered support from all sides of the political and public spectrum. Media entities such as Gay Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times have named her the best candidate for the job, and political figures such as U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool and former 43rd Ward aldermen Marty Oberman, Bill Singer and Dick Simpson have all given their support for Smith’s campaign.

Smith, who has declared herself the independent frontrunner in the race, said that the endorsements were an important indicator of her relationship with the community.

“Obviously it’s the voters who weigh the decision, but we’re all somewhat judged by the company we keep,” she said. Smith appears to be far ahead of the pack financially as well, with $215,569 in her campaign coffers at the end of 2010, according to Illinois State Board of Elections records.

Egan’s “consensus candidacy,” as he puts it, has apparently won over the lodge set, as the Fraternal Order of Police and the Chicago Firefighters Union have each given their blessing to his bid for the seat.

“They know I’ll be dedicated,” he said. “I will be a constant advocate for putting more police not only on the force but out on our streets. That’s what we need and that’s what our ward is calling for.”

Also throwing their weight behind Egan are Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and county commissioner John Fritchey.

Chuck Eastwood, Ald. Daley’s longtime chief of staff, is vying to replace his boss as well. He said he valued his approval from the Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization for the 43rd Ward.

“That’s a very significant endorsement,” said Eastwood. “It’s the only statewide good government group, and I’m very proud of that.”

Yet not every contender for the 43rd aldermanic seat is as eager to tout alliances. Candidate Rafael Vargas, a civil rights attorney, said he had received unsolicited endorsements from a few politicians but chose not to publicize the gestures.

In a campaign ad printed in last week’s Chicago Reader, 43rd Ward candidate Mike Jankovich boasted about his campaign’s lack of endorsements, pointing instead to his record of giving $55,000 in charitable donations to local bodies such as the 18th District police station and the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.

“Endorsed by no one, I owe no one,” the ad reads.

Restaurant Manager Bita Buenrostro and builder Mitchell Newman both said they were generally uninterested in seeking group endorsements in favor of winning over voters on the individual level.

Teamster rep Carmen Olmetti, the youngest candidate in the race, said he appreciated the endorsements he had received from the Chicago Federation of Labor, but he wasn’t letting it get to his head.

“The [endorsements] show that you have support, that you’re a credible candidate,” he said. “I don’t necessarily think they’re a game changer.”

Early voting in Chicago’s 2011 municipal election runs until February 17, with city-wide polls opening on February 22.

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By Tim from Mid-North in Lincoln Park
Posted: 02/18/2011 7:40 PM

Michele Smith is the only candidate that will try to get a responsible development that fits into the character of the Mid-North Landmark District for the redevelopment of Lincoln Park Hospital. Vote for Michele Smith for 43rd Ward Alderman!

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By D from Lincoln Park
Posted: 02/14/2011 1:26 PM

Chuck Eastwood knows is an honorable man who has 12 years experience in City government. No one else can say that who is on the ballot for the 43rd Ward. If I sill lived in the 43rd ward I would vote for Chuck. I grew up in 43 and lived there for most of my life. Chuck understands the issues and knows how to solve the problems.

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By DOP from Lincoln Park
Posted: 02/14/2011 9:31 AM

Chuck Eastwood has spent 15 years working in the 43rd Ward - 12 as Chief of Staff. I hope all of us who called Chuck and asked for help - from small businesses to people like you and me - remember the personal commitment he's made to our issues and problems. I voted early and he has my thanks and my vote.

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By Dan B from LP
Posted: 02/13/2011 3:55 PM

After looking at ALL the candidates, I found Jim Hinkamp to be the most interesting. Hinkamp is a lawyer and a businessman. According to his web site, he successfully ran his businesses and now wants to give back and help the city stop the waste and corruption. I'm voting for Hinkamp and think we all should get behind someone who has actually done something productive.

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By Jerome James from Gold Coast
Posted: 02/11/2011 4:57 PM

Mike Jankovich is the best candidate by far. It's time we have an honest alderman to support our wards!

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By ChicagoPJS from Lincoln Park
Posted: 02/11/2011 2:52 PM

Really? Why?

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By Boyee from Mid-North in Lincoln Park
Posted: 02/10/2011 6:43 PM

Michele Smith for 43rd Ward Alderman!