Earlier, we highlighted the stimulus-related comments by various candidates at the 5th Congressional District Democratic candidates forum.  Here are a few responses to Lynn Sweet's question about whether they would support the privatization of Midway if, once a member of Congress, they were asked to do so by Mayor Daley.  We've repeatedly written items critical of Daley's privatization spree, so it was encouraging to see the candidates more or less united in opposition to the idea.

First off, Tom Geogheghan opposed such privatization, calling it "terrible public policy" and arguing: "The problem in this country is that we don't have enough high quality public goods."  Listen:

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Mike Quigley also criticized the idea, saying: "What we seem to be doing here is selling assets, declaring victory, and going home.  It does not bode well for the long term."  Listen:

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Sara Feigenholtz gave a less direct answer, arguing that you can't "answer these questions in an isolated fashion" and need to "take a step back and look at the big picture."  But when asked whether she would write a letter in support of such a project, she answered: "I don't think I would."  Listen:

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Finally, John Fritchey answered, "I've long maintained that privatizing of public assets is like selling off your furniture to pay your mortgage."  Listen:

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Jan Donatelli, Paul Bryar, Frank Annunzio, Carlos Monteagudo, and Roger Thompson all opposed the idea of privatizing Midway Airport.  Meanwhile, Victor Forys supported the idea and Charlie Wheelan suggested he was open to supporting the idea, but would oppose it if he believed "that we're going to take a pot of money and squander it."  Once again, you can listen to the entire event at WBEZ.