The issue was never in doubt last night in Chicago as Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to the president, has been elected mayor.

The city's "non-partisan" election rules state that any candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote need not compete in a run-off. Emanuel won the mayor's race free and clear with 54% of the vote in a crowded field.

Clout Street:

Emanuel needed to be above the 50 percent benchmark to avoid a runoff election and six more weeks of campaigning, and he got what he needed. With 96 percent of precincts counted, Emanuel had 54.9 percent to 24.4 percent for Chico.

City Clerk Miguel del Valle had 9.4 percent and former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun was at 8.7 percent.

Braun conceded defeat, saying she didn't know whether there'd be a runoff.

"I believe that hope flames eternal," she told supporters. "We will continue to try to inspire people, to get them engaged in government....I wish the victor in this race all the success in the taking of the reins of government."

Chicago is a one party dictatorship as there were no serious Republican challengers. There never are. The Chicago Machine's minions make sure of that. Tactics ranging from physical intimidation to legal skullduggery keep the city safely in the hands of the crooks who milk the taxpayer until they scream for mercy - and then milk them some more.

Emanuel was not very specific in his program for the city. He didn't have to be. He got the blessing of Godfather Daley (behind the scenes) and his Patrone Barack Obama. As usual, the reformers were disorganized, listless, and fought among themselves regarding which candidate to back. Not that it would have mattered. Loyal alderman were standing by to make sure that the "right" election outcome ensued.

A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the Census Bureau's finding that the population of the city of Chicago has sunk to levels not seen since 1920. Sky high taxes, crime ridden wards, and an unfriendly business climate have all combined to drive jobs away from the city, along with people. If this keeps up for another decade, the Windy City will begin to resemble the Motor City.

A testament to what power and greed can do to a great city.