Rahm Emanuel can run for mayor of Chicago after all. A unanimous Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday reversed a lower court ruling that had thrown the race into chaos four days earlier by declaring the former White House chief of staff ineligible for the Feb. 22 ballot.
The lower court argued that he did not meet the requirement that candidates live in the city for the full year before an election — a ruling that stunned the city’s political establishment.
But Thursday night, as Emanuel prepared for another debate against his opponents, he celebrated with supporters and took a congratulatory call from President Barack Obama.
Now, with early voting set to begin Monday, Emanuel’s name will be on the ballot. With wide leads in fundraising and polling, he is heavily favored to beat his three major rivals, perhaps even avoiding an April 5 runoff.
The Washington Post
