Rep. Danny Davis received the coveted first position on the upcoming mayoral ballot during a lottery drawing on Wednesday.
Davis, who happened to be the only candidate there, let out a cheer and called it "a good omen to be first," adding that he "may have to work a little harder."
Seven candidates had their nomination petitions in by 9 a.m. on the first day they could be submitted, earning them a spot in the lottery. Behind Davis, the top seven round out like this: M. Trisha Lee, Rahm Emanuel, Miguel Del Valle, Carol Moseley Braun, Wilfredo DeJesus and Gery Chico.
The candidate lottery begins the official race to replace Richard M. Daley’s 20-year stretch as the Chicago’s mayor. Being first on the list is an obvious good position to be, as it puts Davis' name ahead of a potential crowded list of nominees for the Feb 22 election.
The list is will more than likely be condensed as many are facing petition challenges.
Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is meeting more than his share of challenges, including disputes regarding his residency. Objectors challenge that Emanuel doesn't meet the residency requirement because he has lived in Washington, D.C. for the past two years, serving under President Obama.
Emanuel still owns a home in Chicago and is registered to vote in Illinois.
