Eventually, the dogpile will clear. Those likely to declare they have what it takes to lead this city of hot winds and big shoulders will either garner the dollars, personal support and 12,500 valid signatures to legitimately get on the ballot to make a go of it, or be left with a decent story about how many people called him (or her) on that gorgeous September afternoon when Mayor Daley called it quits.

Those who make it beyond "hopeful" status to see their names on the ballot will have a unique opportunity to change the way campaigns are run and politics is played in this town. They will have it within their power to eradicate from our city's lexicon that hideous phrase "the Chicago Way," which implies nothing less than self-serving, graft-slinging corruption.

That whole "vote early and often" and "we don't want nobody nobody sent" Chicago Way shtick is way past its prime and must be allowed to pass into history, just as the images from the bloody 1968 Democratic convention have.

What Chicago needs on the road to Feb. 22, 2011, is not just a good, clean fight, but a smart one.

Chicago being, well, Chicago, it may be too much to ask that there be no hitting below the belt, tripping, pushing, holding, biting, spitting or hitting after your opponent is down. All the same, here's my candidate tip sheet for a spirited 10 to 12 rounds toward City Hall's fifth floor:

• Don't waste our time by exaggerating on the hustings. You will be embarrassed if you didn't actually invent the Internet, fight in Vietnam or teach poor kids to read -- and despite your best efforts, someone will call you out on it. Get your annoying Aunt Millie -- the one who never really liked you much -- to attend all your public speeches and tell you in blunt terms when you've oversold your "humble Chicago roots." Every candidate needs someone who keeps them from believing their own hype.

• Understand, value and respect the experiences, needs and viewpoints of Chicago's diverse population, but don't oversell scant interactions or present yourself as a cheerleader for causes you may not even understand. For example, if you've never had firsthand experience with Chicago's ultra-diverse Hispanic community aside from eating really great Mexican food, vow to learn. But for the love of Pete, don't pander -- no one's going to buy it.

Back in July, a candidate for statewide office sent out a press release announcing he was reaching out to Chicago's Latino community by meeting with local educators and business leaders. Yawn. I've heard nothing since. Double yawn.

• While we're talking about race and ethnicity, let me say this: Anyone who really cares about ensuring that all the residents of Chicago thrive will care principally about visionary leadership, relationship-building and management skills. So please, don't exploit or ignore the differences between the many ethnic, racial or special-interest groups jockeying for power -- harness them.

• About your experience: Spend less time telling us what you did in the past and more time convincing us how you'll scale your skills to tackle the headaches you'll inherit in May 2011. And yes, the challenges are huge, but channel Daniel Burnham and let this city know you intend no little plans.

• Strike a fair balance in working for both the Chicago that serves the people who actually live here and for the Chicago that drives the economies of the surrounding six counties. It's cool to snub your nose at suburbanites, but our fortunes are tied up together, and metropolitanwide alliances cannot be undervalued.

And while you're at it, don't underestimate the leadership and naked determination necessary to keep Chicago on the national and international stage.

Good luck to the candidates for mayor of the best city in the world. In the enduring words of my favorite ring announcer, Michael Buffer: "Let's get ready to rrrrrrrumble!"