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Emanuel gets green light to run for Chicago mayor

Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in Chicago December 14, 2010. REUTERS/Frank Polich

Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in Chicago December 14, 2010.

Credit: Reuters/Frank Polich

By Mary Wisniewski

CHICAGO | Thu Dec 23, 2010 4:24pm EST

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel got a victory in his run for Chicago mayor on Thursday, with a decision by an election board that he meets the residency requirement to be on the February ballot.

Emanuel told reporters at a downtown restaurant that he was "obviously very pleased" with the board vote.

"It reminds I think everybody what the priorities are facing the city, which is about safer streets, strong schools and stable city finances," Emanuel said.

The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners 3-0 vote followed a recommendation earlier Thursday by an adviser to the board, Joseph Morris. Morris found that Emanuel did not intend to permanently leave Chicago when he went to work for the Obama administration.

Opponents of Emanuel's campaign have claimed that he is not a legal Chicago resident for the purpose of the mayoral race, and are expected to take the case to court.

The Democratic primary election for mayor is February 22. According to a recent Chicago Tribune/WGN poll, Emanuel has the lead in the race. Mayor Richard M. Daley, who has been in office for 21 years, decided not to seek reelection.

(Reporting by Mary Wisniewski, Edited by Greg McCune)
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Comments (4)
Ralpheatonroot wrote:
Thank God for Rahm. He will work hard for the city that he loves and cares about.

Dec 23, 2010 12:39pm EST  --  Report as abuse
pburgdon wrote:
Rahm Emanuel will probably get a bigger name for corruption than Daily already has.

Dec 23, 2010 3:13pm EST  --  Report as abuse
Bisky71 wrote:
Didn’t he say “Citizenship is not an entitlement program but must be earned”? Then went on to say camps where young people are Required to perform Voluntary labor would be necessary to retain rights to your citizenship? Just Utube it

Dec 23, 2010 3:15pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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