Halpin withdrew from the race Monday. His late entry into the race put Emanuel's campaign in some legal jeopardy. Halpin has been living at Emanuel's home since the former White House chief of staff moved to Washington, D.C., to work for President Barack Obama. Several challenges to Emanuel's residency have been filed with the Chicago Election Board, which is currently sorting through those objections.
Halpin released the following statement: With the end of a political era pending, the City of Chicago faces some enormous challenges. As a life-long Chicagoan, I considered a mayoral run because I am passionate about the city, its residents and its future. However, the realities of entering the race at this relatively late stage, including the financial and legal hurdles I'd have to leap in order to win, have forced me to reassess my intention to run at this time.
As of today, I am officially ending my candidacy for Mayor. It is my sincere hope that, as a city, we come together to address the difficult choices ahead. Although I will not run in 2011, I plan to continue to do all I can, working with both the public and private sectors, to help bring jobs and opportunities to the citizens of Chicago, who have long lost jobs to the suburbs and collar counties.
I have no plans to either endorse or work against any current candidates and have faith that the voters of Chicago will make the right choice in electing new leadership. Should circumstances ever dictate the need for new leadership, I would remain open to the idea of running in the future when I can more fully put together a campaign capable of bringing real, ethical, responsive leadership and vision to the City.
