Rahm Emanuel wins big amidst low voter turnout

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A Chicagoan explains his vote for Emanuel

By Sam Royko

(An opinion piece.)

In an election which may decide the future of the city I’ve come to call home, I’ve begun to ask myself the question—what makes Chicago unique?

One could argue that there are numerous traits that set Chicago apart from the big cities of the East and the sprawling cities of the West. We’re Midwest. We’re away from the glitz of Hollywood and the Wall Street money of New York. We have our own unique politics. And, when you look around, you’ll see generations of people who have come here to work hard.

This is reflected in everything that is Chicago. Just consider a few of these things.

Shrinking black vote to Rahm instead of Moseley Braun?

By Jennifer Schanz

Chicago’s minority voting demographics are changing, and nothing is more representative of this than the city’s mayoral election. But in looking at mayoral campaigns thus far, how much will the population of ethnic groups really affect this elections outcome?

Chicago’s magnificent 7: Election just another day

By  Paige Wagenknecht

On Election Day, not every ward of the 50 in Chicago will be buzzing with aldermanic anticipation. For better or worse, seven city council races will have a single candidate.

They are a colorful group. One has a $6.6 million war chest despite never facing opposition, another loves to find city jobs for his family, and one makes arguably the best cinnamon rolls in Chicago. Read on:

Chico, del Valle show ‘consensus’ not a factor in Chicago elections?

By Maham Khan

The discussion over Latino votes in Chicago’s mayoral race has proved one thing: either polls lie, or “consensus candidates” are becoming more of an illusion than a reality.

Maybe that’s why both Miguel del Valle and Gery Chico knew there was no point in joining forces. And even if they did, according to the polls, they still wouldn’t make a dent in Rahm Emanuel’ numbers of Latino supporters.

Here’s one lock to win Tuesday’s election: Stephanie Neely

Stephanie Neely

By Christine Hurley

The quietest citywide race is the one for Chicago Treasurer, where incumbent Stephanie Neely is unopposed. That does not mean voters should go to the polls uninformed. Here are five items about the job and candidate they may or may not wish to know:

Quick quiz: Heard about the Mendoza vs. Horton runoff?

Susana Mendoza (left) and Patricia Horton (right) are vying to be Chicago's first female city clerk.

This may come as a shock to many voters when they get their ballots Tuesday, but, in addition to the race for mayor and their aldermanic race, there are two other citywide offices to be determined: Chicago City Clerk and City Treasurer.

The race for clerk, which is he office mayoral candidate Miguel del Valle’s is vacating, is a contest between two women: Susana Mendoza and Patricia Horton. Very little attention has been focused on this runoff and here are 10 things you may or may not know about it:

Follow the money: Is the Chicago mayoral race over?

By Jennifer Schanz

As the race to replace grows closer, Chicago’s mayoral candidates are pulling out all tricks to ensure that a certain someone doesn’t get the office on City Hall’s fifth floor without a fight.

But if Rahm Emanuel can muster 50 percent of the votes on Feb. 22, runoff dreams are dead, and we’ve got a new mayor. From the moment “I will not seek a seventh term” left Mayor Daley’s lips, it is obvious the-then White House Chief of Staff was strategizing his game plan.

No candy kisses for candidates at this Valentine’s Day party

Carol Moseley Braun arrived late; the former Illinois Senator was rushed through a side door only seconds before broadcast. (Photo by Len Kody)

By Len Kody and Paige Wagenknecht

On Valentine’s Day, flings get serious. The four leading mayoral candidates appeared at WTTW studios on that day this week to take part in a forum that could possibly set the pace for this final, decisive week of the campaign for the serious decision to be made by Chicago voters.

43rd Ward headed for runoff? Egan, Smith split endorsements

By Megan Ashley

Is the 43rd Ward aldermanic race headed for a special runoff with no candidate able to capture more than 50 percent of the votes Tuesday?