Rahm Emanuel Likely to Remain Mayor, But the Media Believe in Jesus

All eyes are on Chicago’s runoff mayoral elections that will take place on April 7, and while it is likely that Rahm Emanuel will emerge as the victor, it being reported by the media as if it will be a close call.

Rahm Emanuel, who is facing the first mayoral runoff in the windy city’s history, seems likely to remain mayor. According to a USA Today poll, 48.1% said they would choose Emanuel, 32.1% would vote for Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and 18% were undecided. In a poll without the undecided option, Emanual led Garcia 55.8% to 44.2%.

However, the election is grabbing so much attention because it would be a huge deal if Emanuel loses. First of all, Emanuel is the big whale with a $20 million war chest in donations and tight connections with Democratic Party establishment, including President Obama himself and Hillary Clinton, who is expected to run for President. A Rahm Emanuel upset will make a statement about campaign finance as well as the Clintons. In addition, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia will be the first Hispanic mayor in a city where black versus white racial controversies are frequent.

Garcia has been noted as having a more likeable temperament, while Emanuel is famously quick tempered and bossy. While a rift was created between the Emanuel camp and black voters of the closing of  50 underperforming Chicago public schools in African American neighborhoods, Emanuel has defended the cutbacks when faced with tight city budget restrictions. With $20 billion in unfunded pension obligations, Emanuel has depicted Garcia as a candidate who is not prepared to make the tough decisions needed to balance the budget. However, Garcia has strong appeal among progressives.