Emanuel To Seek Another Term As Mayor

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 13, 2013 1:40PM

Photo by: Patrick Pyszka

Why is Rahm Emanuel smiling? Because he’s having such a good time as mayor he’s seeking a second term. Emanuel told Sun-Times City Hall correspondent Fran Spielman last week he would support presidential campaigns by Vice President Joe Biden or former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton but, as for his own ambitions for higher office, Emanuel isn’t going anywhere.

Of course, Emanuel could change his mind in a heartbeat, but all the fundraising he’s currently undertaking is with a 2015 mayoral bid in mind.

Q. Will you serve out the four-year term if re-elected?

A. Yes. I mean — I can’t predict, obviously, a health crisis in the family. [But], that would be the only thing. I don’t want [a headline that says], ‘Mayor Won’t Pledge.’ I’m running for re-election, and I’m gonna serve out the term. And for the third time with you, I am not running for higher office — EVER. Done. ... I want Hillary or Joe [Biden] to run, and I will support either one. Whoever decides.

Q. What if Hillary says, “I want you to be my running mate” ?

A. Please. I’m gonna be mayor/ …This is a hypothetical. I’m not doing hypotheticals.

Emanuel is taking an early belligerent stance as his poll numbers continue to decline. A recent Tribune/WGN TV poll showed, although a majority of voters still find him trustworthy, disenfranchisement to Emanuel is growing, particularly among blacks who voted him into office. Six out of every 10 respondents to the poll have an unfavorable view of Emanuel’s handling of education policy.

Emanuel also told Spielman he plans on retaining CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy.