Politicians of all stripes gathered Monday on Chicago’s northwest side to celebrate Casimir Pulaski Day. And a lot of them had the city’s race for mayor on their mind.
Republican US Senator Mark Kirk warned that Chicago could look more like bankrupt Detroit without Rahm Emanuel as mayor.
"I think the people who are running against Rahm don’t have the gravitas with the bond market. I would worry about the value of a Chicago debt if Rahm was not re-elected."
Kirk faces a potentially tough re-election himself next year.
Emanuel’s opponent, Cook County Commissioner Chuy Garcia, let the comments roll off his shoulders. And he also laughed off comments made by Toni Preckwinkle. The Cook County Board President told reporters she would not be endorsing anyone in the run-off election.
Garcia, who is Preckwinkle’s floor leader on the Cook County Board, pointed at a recent poll showing he’s neck-and-neck with Emanuel.
"How can anything be a blow if we’re doing so great?"
Emanuel did not address Preckwinkle’s comments.