This morning, an illustrious list of Chicago progressives and one-time City Council independents endorsed Tom Geoghegan in the 5th Congressional District contest.

Former congressman and judge Abner Mikva had this to say about his candidacy, via a press release from the campaign:

“Tom Geoghegan has stood for integrity his entire career,” said Mikva. “He believes politics and government must be honest to meet people's needs. That's why he'll make a great congressman.”

Former Ald. Marty Oberman, whose son Justin was briefly in the race:

“Tom’s candidacy is steeped in the great progressive tradition of Paul Simon and Adlai Stevenson. He is unmatched for both his serious thought and successful action in the interest of social and political reform." 

Former Ald. Leon Despres:

“Tom doesn't need a ‘listening tour’ to understand what working Americans face every day,” said Despres. “He's represented nurses, steelworkers, truck drivers and railroad workers. He’s not afraid to stand up against tough odds and makes change happen.

Doctor and single-payer advocate Quentin Young:

“Tom understands and is committed to single-payer national health insurance – ‘Medicare for All’. He is a genuine progressive; he supports economic reform that meets the needs of the people, not the Wall Street predators who got America into this mess,” said Dr. Young.

UPDATE: In her Sun-Times column today, Laura Washington calls Geoghegan "the progressive's progressive."