A Chicago group that's adopted strategies of the national organization which helped Bill de Blasio become mayor of New York City has put its muscle behind an effort to oust Rahm Emanuel.
The progressive United Working Families on Thursday backed Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for mayor in the February 2014 election.
"We're proud to endorse Chuy Garcia for his record, for the way that he thinks about leading as an inclusive leader who really will work to unite the city in a moment when politics is divisive and hard and ugly and cynical," said United Working Families Executive Director Kristen Crowell.
Garcia, who currently represents the 7th District of Cook County, accepted the endorsement, saying the group exemplifies "the thirst for change in Chicago that is at the heart of my candidacy."
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While similar in name and focus, United Working Families is not a formal affiliate of the Working Families Party that helped elect de Blasio. Still, representatives from the Chicago group said the organizations have had discussions.
And Crowell is a powerful activist. She previously served as the executive director of We Are Wisconsin, a coalition which tried to unseat Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. While that effort was unsuccessful, Crowell's efforts helped raise millions of dollars.
United Working Families is affiliated with SEIU Healthcare, the Chicago Teachers Union, Action Now and Grassroots Illinois Action.
