The top senator in Springfield predicts the crowded race for Chicago mayor will go to a run-off.
Senate President John Cullerton is a North Side Democrat who has supported Rahm Emanuel. He says Emanuel might not walk away with more than 50 percent of the vote in February’s election - meaning the top two vote-getters would face in another election in April.
“Well I assume that it’s very close to being a run-off because there’s so many candidates and if there is, there is.”
Cullerton compliments how Emanuel has gotten along with Springfield lawmakers.
He cited Emanuel’s work on lengthening the school day in Chicago. And cutting pension benefits of some city employees to save money - something that’s being challenged in court.
“He’s masterful in terms of working with legislatures.”
That said - Emanuel still continues to criticize the legislature for not passing harsher prison sentences for gun crimes.
Emanuel faces Cook County Commissioner Chuy Garcia, Alderman Bob Fioretti, businessman Willie Wilson, and Bill Dock Walls.