White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's own polling numbers have him ahead of all-comers by up to 14 points, according to sources.
As Ward Room first reported, Emanuel conducted his own polling over the weekend of September 11th and 12th and those who have spoken to Emanuel say he's told them he's leading that poll by as much as 14 points.
In name recognition Emanuel falls to second in the Latino community and third in the African American community behind Sen. James Meeks and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. As the Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reported, Emanuel turned to his longtime pollster, Stanley Greenberg to conduct the survey.
Emanuel is leaning towards leaving his post in Washington DC to mount a race for mayor, say those who have spoken to him. The big question is can he afford to wait until after the November 2nd mid-term electons. Other challengers are already collecting signatures, holding fundraisers and gathering media attention in Chicago while Emanuel is preoccupied in Washington DC.
It's believed if Emanuel enters the race, he would prompt other challengers to reconsider based on Emanuel's ability to raise large amounts of money. Several of those also weighing a mayoral race say Emanuel's relationship with President Obama would also communicate to voters that he could get things done for Chicago.
Congressman Mike Quigley, who represents Emanuel's former 5th District, says "I'd be surprised if he doesn't do it." Quigley will meet with Emanuel Wednesday in Washington. It's all part of Emanuel's coahilition building -- last week Emanuel met with Congressman Jackson.
