Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his endorsement of Tammy Duckworth in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary, adding another Democratic Party establishment name to her list of supporters.
Emanuel’s relationship with Duckworth goes back to 2006, when he was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in charge of recruiting candidates and raising money, and Duckworth was making an unsuccessful run for Congress against Peter Roskam.
“Tammy’s no stranger to fighting for her beliefs, no matter the risk,” said Emanuel. “She understands better than most the economic struggles people are facing right now. That’s why I’m supporting her -- we need more Members of Congress ready to solve problems and move our country forward.”
Duckworth’s big-name patrons also include Sen. Dick Durbin. President Obama has not officially endorsed Duckworth, but he hired her as an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which ought to tell you something.
“I’m honored to have the Mayor’s support,” Duckworth said. “He’s succeeded in the Halls of Congress and at the White House, and we share a commitment to getting our economy back on track, and working together to find solutions to our problems.”
Emanuel considers himself a national figure, but it’s questionable whether a Chicago mayor’s endorsement will have any influence in the 8th District, which is entirely suburban.
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