Cook County Board President John Stroger is mentally aware but in more fragile physical condition than his family or county officials have revealed, according to two sources with knowledge of his recent medical care.
Specifics about Stroger’s condition have been closely guarded since he suffered a serious stroke on March 14, one week before Democratic voters renominated him for a fourth term. While his family has indicated his condition is improving, supporters and critics have raised questions about whether Stroger can return to lead the county.
But two sources said Stroger, 77, is still being fed through a tube, as he has since being stricken. He cannot stand or walk and has to be lifted from his wheelchair into his bed.
He is unable to turn himself in bed, requiring round-the-clock attention, the sources said.
Both sources, who spoke only on the condition they not be identified, said Stroger was able to communicate but appeared physically very weak.
Stroger’s wife, reached at the condominium where the County Board president returned Thursday after a two-day hospital visit, hung up on a reporter who asked her to comment on his condition.
His son, Ald. Todd Stroger (8th), said Thursday night his father is a fighter and is concentrating on his recovery.
“He called me today, and he said, I’m back from the hospital. And he just wanted me to know,” Todd Stroger said. “And I said, I’ll send the kids.”
Stroger’s family declined to specify what prompted his admission to a hospital Tuesday, less than two weeks after he was released from a rehabilitation center.
His spokeswoman, Chinta Strausberg, said Thursday that doctors ran tests on Stroger and determined that he was fine.
Stroger hasn’t made a public appearance since his stroke one week before the March 21 Democratic primary in which he beat challenger Forrest Claypool. Four days before the election, Stroger’s doctors said he would likely suffer some long-term physical disability, and they did not rule out permanent mental impairment.
Since the victory, speculation has swirled both within and outside the party about Stroger’s political future. While his family has urged that he be given time to recover, Todd Stroger has said that a decision could be made next month on whether his father will remain the party’s candidate in the Nov. 7 election.
Todd Stroger has said that he would be interested in the position if his father chose to retire. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and county commissioner Bobbie Steele (D-Chicago) have also expressed interest in the job.
Democratic Party leaders have tried to keep a respectful distance while making plans behind the scenes for what they have characterized as Stroger’s likely replacement. Mayor Richard Daley, a staunch Stroger ally, said Wednesday that he would expect the family to make a decision soon about Stroger’s future.
Amid the political maneuvering, critics have increased pressure for a decision on whether Stroger is able to run the $3 billion county government.
Claypool last month was the first public official to openly raise the question about who was running the government.
County Commissioner Tony Peraica, Stroger’s Republican opponent, has repeatedly raised the issue in recent weeks, especially after Stroger’s house went up for sale and he was rehospitalized.
Strausberg said Thursday that Stroger remains in charge of the county government, noting that James Whigham, his chief of staff, meets with him regularly.
