Ditka to endorse in Romeoville mayoral race
By Cindy Wojdyla Cain ccain@stmedianetwork.com February 27, 2013 2:49PM
Mike Ditka. File Photo
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Updated: April 1, 2013 11:50AM
Former Bears Coach Mike Ditka will endorse former defensive tackle Steve McMichael for mayor of Romeoville in the April 9 election.
The announcement is expected during a private reception scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Old Town Pour House in Chicago. McMichael is running against incumbent Mayor John Noak.
Noak said Ditka’s expected endorsement is not unexpected since he was McMichael’s coach.
“There is no surprise in this,” he said. “It’s just another distraction from the real issues.”
Noak also noted that he has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, Will County Board members, township officials, firefighter unions and other labor groups.
“Coach Ditka doesn’t live in our community and he doesn’t represent it,” Noak said.
Noak said rather than engage in a one-on-one dialogue about the issues, McMichael is using his celebrity to win the seat.
“Obviously Mr. McMichael was once a very good football player, but that doesn’t mean he has any knowledge about how to run a community,” Noak said.
McMichael said he having the fundraiser to raise money for his campaign and the endorsement from Ditka will help attract people to the event.
“This is just getting people together that support me that know I’m a leader and I would be best for any community that I’m going to live in,” he said.
He also said that his celebrity has helped him raise money for charities for 32 years.
“I would like to use my celebrity for the benefit of Romeoville. ... I have chosen to make my cause the people of Romeoville.”
Several former teammates of Super Bowl Champion McMichael and other well-known Chicagoans also will be on hand to show their support at Tuesday’s event, according to a press release from McMichael’s campaign.
The guest list includes Hall of Famer Dan Hampton, Gary Fencik, Matt Suhey and more former Super Bowl XX Champion teammates. Additionally, several well-known Chicagoans, political figures and surprise guests will be in attendance, the release stated.
Noak also is planning a fundraiser. His will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Stone City Saloon in Romeoville — “Not in Chicago,” he said.
