Miguel del Valle and Rahm Emanuel are once again on the opposite sides of an election, this time in the 25th Ward aldermanic runoff.
On Tuesday, Del Valle endorsed Cuahtemoc Morfin, who is challenging incumbent Ald. Danny Solis.
“For those of us concerned with issues of reform, of the environment, of strong neighborhood schools, Morfin is the candidate most deserving of our endorsement,” Del Valle said. “My campaign for mayor has been based on a vision for neighborhood-focused government in the city of Chicago. Morfin is a clear ally in that mission.”
Morfin is a longtime supporter of the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance, which would force the 25th Ward’s coal-burning Fisk Generating Station to convert to gas. During the mayoral race, Del Valle held a press conference outside Fisk to endorse the clean-up measure. Solis long opposed the ordinance but switched his position after he was forced into a run-off with Morfin.
Morfin fits as a member of the progressive movement Del Valle is hoping to build after he leaves office as city clerk. The challenger has also been endorsed by Citizen Action Illinois, Northside Democracy for America, Progressive Democrats of America--Chicago, Dr. Quentin Young and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Solis has the support of Emanuel, and his 25th Ward Democratic Organization has received $10,000 from For a Better Chicago, the pro-Emanuel political action committee.
How much will each mayoral candidate’s support mean? Emanuel got 36 percent of the 25th Ward’s vote on Feb. 22. Del Valle got 19 percent. The man who won the ward -- Gery Chico -- hasn’t endorsed anyone.
