Trib urges Dem insurection, gives "informal" endorsement of Eisendrath

The hope was that this primary would provide a referendum on Blagojevich's rocky first term. That Democrats--for better or worse--could tell their governor where he stands with them.

Edwin Eisendrath has the ability and experience to run a smart, credible campaign. He's a Harvard graduate. He was an independent alderman in the City Council. He ran the regional office of Housing and Urban Development at the outset of a public housing transformation in Chicago. He's a college administrator now.

He can deftly explain the failings of the Blagojevich administration. But his late-starting campaign has been something of a mystery. Potential supporters have said they've waited for the chance to jump in--and have been left waiting. Eisendrath promises a strong kick in the final days. It seems to be just a promise.

Eisendrath's campaign and his platform have been too thin for the Tribune to offer a formal endorsement of his candidacy.

Blagojevich, though, needs to hear the message that many Democrats are disappointed and disenchanted with his haphazard governance and refusal to recognize that cronyism reeks through his administration. Democrats who want to send a message to the governor have a way to convey it: Vote for Edwin Eisendrath.