Though he cut short his time in Charlotte, Mayor Rahm Emanuel still is expected to address delegates Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention.
The former White House chief of staff under President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak between 9 and 10 p.m.
Emanuel was criticized over the weekend for leaving town as Chicago violence spikes and students return to school a week before the teachers union's strike deadline. His office revealed Monday the mayor shortened his trip, and instead of attending the convention Tuesday through Friday, he flies to Charlotte Tuesday and returns Wednesday.
Emanuel isn't the only Illinois representation on the docket, though.
Gov. Pat Quinn steps to the podium between 6 and 7 p.m., and 8th District congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth speaks between 8 and 9 p.m.
Quinn remains under fire for failed pension reform that last week led to a downgraded credit rating. The governor also recently vetoed a gambling expansion bill, much to the chagrin of race-track owners and Emanuel, who wants a Chicago casino.
Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran and former Veterans Affairs official, has her own set of challenges, namely 8th District opponent Joe Walsh, who made the race a national story when he mocked Duckworth for bragging about her military service.
But Duckworth has some tricks up her sleeve too. She got her name in Rolling Stone by inviting Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh to play a fundraiser for her in Schaumburg.
