Cook County Board President Todd Stroger says count him in -- he will run for re-election in 2010.
Already Alderman Toni Preckwinkle and County Commissioner Forrest Claypool are expressing interest as opponents in the Democratic primary. As well, former Chicago school CEO Paul Vallas is eyeing the race as a Republican candidate.
Stroger -- who's faced a heap of criticism for shepherding a sales tax hike to balance the county budget a year ago -- said it's been tough to get his message out, but he will do so. The sales tax in Cook County is now the highest in the nation at more than 10 percent, depending on where you live.
In 2006, Stroger replaced his father John Stroger as the board president and then received the support of Democratic leaders like Barack Obama, Dick Durbin and Mayor Daley. He won't ask Obama to intervene on his behalf this time, Stroger said, but he does plan to ask other Democratic leaders for help.
Stroger is convinced once his message is out, he can win re-election.
His full interview will air this Sunday on City Desk at 9:30am.
