Rahm Emanuel for Mayor of Chicago?

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says will not seek seventh term in office, inspires whirlwind of speculations as to possible mayoral bid by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel

Ynet|Published: 09.08.10 , 16:34

Rahm Emanuel, US President Barack Obama's chief of staff, may soon dip his toe in the political waters of Chicago, as speculations suggesting he may run in the windy city's next mayoral elections are swirling up a storm.

Chicago near-mythical Mayor Richard Daley announcement Tuesday that he will not seek a seventh term in office, throwing the race wide open.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Emanuel, who has deep roots in Chicago politics, and enjoys a national profile and high name recognition, would almost certainly be a leading candidate to replace Daley, who has held the mayor’s office for 21 years.

Emanuel and Obama (Archives: AP)

Emanuel, however, must decide quickly whether he wants to throw his hat in the ring. Several political analysts said that if Emanuel wants to run, he probably has to send a signal to the Chicago political establishment before the November 2 midterms elections.

Chicago political analysts said the election, which are expected to be the first actual competitive race the city has seen in the past two decades, could end up having between five and 10 hopefuls eyeing the position. The election will also be the city’s first of note since a 1995 law switching to a non-partisan, open primary with a runoff if no candidate gets 50% of the vote.

“The mayoralty in Chicago is an unbelievably attractive opportunity and I’m sure if Rahm decides to do that the President will support that decision,” White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod said.

Axelrod went on to say that both he and Emanuel were “stunned” by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley’s decision not to run for reelection, and that Emanuel has not yet made a decision whether to get in the race.

Speculations are already swirling as to Emanuel's possible replacement, as well. Potential candidates include Senior White House Advisers Valerie Jarrett and Peter Rouse, Deputy National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon and Phil Schiliro, who is Obama's assistant on legislative affairs.