Del Valle Claims Title to "Poorest Candidate," Vows to Run Hard

By Kevin Robinson in News on Jan 6, 2011 2:30PM

City Clerk and mayoral candidate Miguel del Valle told the media Wednesday that what he lacks in campaign funds, he'll make up for in integrity. “I’ve raised $150,000 thus-far,” del Valle said during a campaign stop in Logan Square. “People are not going to vote based on the millions of dollars raised by candidates ... who have made a personal fortune off of their connections with government and their prior positions with the federal government or the city government."

Del Valle pointed out that he's running a grassroots campaign and is depending on small donations from Chicago voters, and rejecting contributions from city contractors. "I will not have strings attached," he told the Tribune. Del Valle took aim at Rahm Emanuel and Gery Chico specifically, saying "I did not serve as the mayor’s fundraiser or the mayor’s chief of staff, and I did not take those positions in order to enrich myself personally.” He also attacked Gery Chico, asking "what does it say when a Gery Chico can make millions and millions of dollars off of clients that go to him because of his influence and inside politicking with city government?"

The Chico campaign responded later in the day, telling the Tribune "Gery Chico was the first to introduce a comprehensive ethics plan and has specifically outlined how he would change the culture at City Hall." Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson added "those comments are inaccurate and seem out of character for Miguel, but Gery hopes to work with him going forward." Chico has raised $2.5 million for his run at the mayor's office, and Emanuel has raised even more.