Politics gets me out of bed in the morning It's what really interests me. I'm a competitor but I also feel like I'm contributing whether it's working on health-care policy in the White House or out here in Chicago.

It's nice to be able to work I'd love to be able to do another TV show I could do in Chicago so I could live and work in the same place. It's hard being a parent and being in a good marriage and it all takes a lot of work but if you're not there you can't do any of it.

Currently I am overseeing the construction of the new Trump Tower in Chicago. I am involved in meeting with the construction crews architects and sales teams. I am learning a lot and working with some of the best in the business.

I worked hard learning harmony and theory when I was growing up in Chicago in the 1920s.

While Mayor Daley surprised me today with his decision to not run for reelection I have never been surprised by his leadership dedication and tireless work on behalf of the city and the people of Chicago.

However I was a restaurant critic at Chicago magazine before I worked at Esquire and I've been a really enthusiastic home cook for a long time. It's just something I'm passionate about.

And I come here as a daughter raised on the South Side of Chicago - by a father who was a blue-collar city worker and a mother who stayed at home with my brother and me.

It's wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago.

Eventually I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.

Surely the President can agree with us that theft from government is not good. I know it's bold. It's out on the edge. I know from a Chicago-Springfield background it's hard to fully grasp that honesty could be part of government.