Although the election for mayor of Chicago isn’t until 2015, potential candidates are making their way out of the shadows. Many are under the impression that Rahm Emanuel will win re-election handily, mostly because of his work with President Obama. But it appears someone else with close ties to the president may be entering the race.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle may be a formidable challenger to Mr. Emanuel. Though Mrs. Preckwinkle says she will be seeking a second term on the county board this November, it is not unheard of to see a quick switch to the mayoral election in February of the following year.
Preckwinkle supported President Obama’s campaign for state senate in 1996 and his failed congressional run in 2000. She also takes credit for getting Obama to join Jeremiah Wright’s church. In 2008 she said, “It’s a church that would provide you with lots of social connections and prominent parishoners…It’s a good place for a politician to be a member.”
Although she was an Obama delegate the 2008 Democratic National Convention, it seems she is not as much of an Obama fan as she once was. But there’s no mistaking that other famous liberals still find her an appealing candidate. Bill Ayers said, “I love Toni Preckwinkle.” He has also been heard saying she would be a great opponent to Emanuel.
If she won, she would be the city’s first black female mayor. But let’s be honest, she isn’t going to be any better than Rahm Emanuel if her past shows us anything.
