CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis — seen as Mayor Rahm Emanuel's most high-profile re-election challenger — announced Monday through a spokeswoman that she would not run for Chicago mayor in 2015.
Lewis, who often tussled with the mayor during the 2012 Chicago Public Schools teachers' strike, didn't specify her reasons and a statement released on behalf of her exploratory committee made no mention of a recent "serious illness" she disclosed publicly. "Karen Lewis has decided to not pursue a mayoral bid," said a statement from committee spokeswoman Jhatayn Travis. "Yet she charges us to continue fighting for strong neighborhood schools, safe communities and good jobs for everyone."
Lewis had been seen as the best shot so far to unseat Emanuel, who won his first term in 2011. For months, she had been circulating petitions and raising her profile at parades and political events, often harshly criticizing Emanuel and his policies. She even dubbed him the "murder mayor" because of the city's violence problem.
But earlier this month she was admitted to the hospital after experiencing discomfort. She was evaluated for a "serious illness" but CTU officials declined to say more.
Emanuel issued a statement after her announcement wishing her a quick recovery.
"I have always respected and admired Karen's willingness to step up and be part of the conversation about our city's future," said Emanuel, a former congressman and White House chief of staff.
Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti, who announced his bid to run earlier last month, issued a statement Monday saying he was praying for Lewis' health.
"For Chicago's sake, I hope this is not the last we see of Karen Lewis," he said in a statement. "I can understand the battle with illness, and how it can change the best thought out plans. But I also know that Karen is resilient and strong and will be back advocating for educators, students and Chicagoans in no time."
Political experts said only a handful of credible candidates would be able to mount a serious challenge at this point ahead of the Feb. 24 contest. Names floated in Chicago political circles included Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who has already said she planned to keep her current job and faces re-election, and Cook County Clerk David Orr.
Any candidate would have to be able to raise big funds and already have name recognition. Emanuel has already banked more than $8 million, while campaign finance filings show Fioretti had about $325,000 as of June. Also Emanuel's implied support from President Barack Obama as a former aide would be hard to counter in Obama's hometown.
However, political watchers said Emanuel's approval ratings have also been low.
"It's a mixed bag," said Chicago political consultant Don Rose. "Many people feel he's ripe for the picking."
The February election is nonpartisan. If no candidate receives over half of the ballots cast, there'll be a runoff in April between the top two candidates.
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Lewis, who often tussled with the mayor during the 2012 Chicago Public Schools teachers' strike, didn't specify her reasons and a statement released on behalf of her exploratory committee made no mention of a recent "serious illness" she disclosed publicly. "Karen Lewis has decided to not pursue a mayoral bid," said a statement from committee spokeswoman Jhatayn Travis. "Yet she charges us to continue fighting for strong neighborhood schools, safe communities and good jobs for everyone."
Lewis had been seen as the best shot so far to unseat Emanuel, who won his first term in 2011. For months, she had been circulating petitions and raising her profile at parades and political events, often harshly criticizing Emanuel and his policies. She even dubbed him the "murder mayor" because of the city's violence problem.
But earlier this month she was admitted to the hospital after experiencing discomfort. She was evaluated for a "serious illness" but CTU officials declined to say more.
Emanuel issued a statement after her announcement wishing her a quick recovery.
"I have always respected and admired Karen's willingness to step up and be part of the conversation about our city's future," said Emanuel, a former congressman and White House chief of staff.
Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti, who announced his bid to run earlier last month, issued a statement Monday saying he was praying for Lewis' health.
"For Chicago's sake, I hope this is not the last we see of Karen Lewis," he said in a statement. "I can understand the battle with illness, and how it can change the best thought out plans. But I also know that Karen is resilient and strong and will be back advocating for educators, students and Chicagoans in no time."
Political experts said only a handful of credible candidates would be able to mount a serious challenge at this point ahead of the Feb. 24 contest. Names floated in Chicago political circles included Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who has already said she planned to keep her current job and faces re-election, and Cook County Clerk David Orr.
Any candidate would have to be able to raise big funds and already have name recognition. Emanuel has already banked more than $8 million, while campaign finance filings show Fioretti had about $325,000 as of June. Also Emanuel's implied support from President Barack Obama as a former aide would be hard to counter in Obama's hometown.
However, political watchers said Emanuel's approval ratings have also been low.
"It's a mixed bag," said Chicago political consultant Don Rose. "Many people feel he's ripe for the picking."
The February election is nonpartisan. If no candidate receives over half of the ballots cast, there'll be a runoff in April between the top two candidates.
___
Follow Sophia Tareen at http://ift.tt/QAfWEc.
from Chicago - The Huffington Post http://ift.tt/1qWWDUu
via IFTTT
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