The result of yesterday's election is historic, and while the last few ballots were counted Wednesday afternoon, it won't change the finish.
In six weeks, Chicago voters will take part in the first-ever mayoral run-off election. But both Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia got right back to work Wednesday meeting with voters.
Emanuel outspent Garcia 12-to-one, and still has money left over. Although he may seem like a newcomer to some, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia has a political resume: alderman, state senator and cook county commissioner.
“This is the neighborhood's time,” Garcia told supporters. “I think we're on the verge of neighborhood's renaissance in Chicago."
On Wednesday Emanuel headed right where he needs to court votes the most: the African American community.
“I plan on running a campaign of ideas not insults,” Emanuel said.
Will Garcia, the Latino candidate who stood with Harold Washington expand his coalition?
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“The African American vote is an important part with the electorate in Chicago,” Garcia said. “We will compete for it we're going to talk issues. We're going to talk about the future."
Garcia’s campaign staff said they have been fielding congratulations all day in light of the news that Garcia will face Mayor Emanuel in an April 7th runoff.
But Emanuel – who won 35 of the 50 Wards – is still the frontrunner.
Might we see a change in style for the mayor with the reputation for getting things done as well as critiqued for being arrogant?
“I don't think you should be not who you are, okay?” Emanuel said. “The worst thing in politics is to have people think you’re not honest with yourself. The public is smart.”
