Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman has been the subject of a good deal of buzz this week.  His report on the under-valuation of the city's parking meter lease drew stern rebukes from Mayor Daley, his chief of staff Paul Volpe, and several old-guard aldermen.  At the same time, it led to the introduction of a new ordinance that seeks to improve the review process for future leases.  The report will hopefully provoke numerous follow-ups as reporters dig deeper into the agreement.

It also turns out that Hoffman's four-year term ends later this year.  Will the mayor reappoint him?  If not, will he run for higher office? 

Earlier this week on WLS Radio's Don Wade & Roma In The Morning, the hosts probed his political ambitions, asking specifically about the potential attorney general vacancy.  Unlike Patrick Collins' recent declaration that he is not interested in higher office, Hoffman responded by stating that he's "focused on the day-to-day work" at the moment.  Listen (full audio here):

Internal mp3

It should be noted that, because Hoffman spent the past decade in the U.S. attorney's office and the inspector general post, we have no idea about his personal politics.  It's just something to keep an eye on.