Nine Inch Nails Drummer Jumps Into Chicago Political Battle

CHICAGO - Martin Atkins, legendary drummer for bands such as Public Image Ltd., Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Pigface and Ministry has lived with his family for fifteen years in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, the home of the infamous Daley family political machine. And in a campaign video released today on YouTube, he's made it clear he's ready for a change away from the Daley family political "royalty" that calls his neighborhood home. View the video at http://youtu.be/NofcZb1T_B4 Running for Alderman in Atkins's 11th Ward is Maureen Sullivan, longtime arts advocate, author, community organizer and progressive. Her campaign video features Atkins talking excitedly about her long record of service to the 11th ward, including innovative festivals, development and stewardship efforts. But the Coventry, UK-born musician, punk icon and business educator was urgent talking about the problems of living under royalty -- something he would know about. Referencing Sullivan's electoral opponent, first-time Aldermanic candidate Patrick Daley Thompson, who is a nephew to former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and grandson to Mayor Richard J. Daley, Atkins referred to how the neighborhood has been "like England" with "generations of people who just assume that they get the gig". The hilarious video adds to the growing buzz around Sullivan's popular grassroots candidacy, which is running for an open seat and faced squarely against the Daley dynasty in the working-class 11th Ward. The area has recently seen major demographic shifts and an acceptance of a vibrant arts community while still remaining working-class and highly diverse. "Martin is a perfect example of how arts has enhanced our community without our losing any of what makes us proud to live here," said Sullivan. "Creative people and artists are family people, educators, good neighbors. The only area where we've been lacking in creativity is in our government, and I'm going to change that." Atkins puts it in these terms: "It's time for Maureen to come in here, kick some ass and take over. Before it's too late." Maureen Sullivan For 11th Ward Alderman Website: http://sullivan11thward.com Media contact: Rob Warmowski: campaign@sullivan11thward.com