Paul Vallas wants to run for Cook County Board President in 2010. The former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and 2002 gubernatorial candidate has been busy fixing schools districts in Philadelphia and New Orleans.

Vallas says Cook County government is broken and he wants to come back and fix it. He’s mounting a campaign against the likes of current president Todd Stroger, the 4th ward alderman Toni Preckwinkle and Sheriff Tom Dart. Republicans who have thrown their hat in the ring include Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica and State Senator Matt Murphy.

The life-long Democrat has changed his political colors and is running as a Republican. Cook County GOP chairman Lee Roupas explains more about this announcement.

Music Button: Futique, “Trump Card”, from the CD Go Low, (Shadow records)