Chicago mayoral candidates square off in final debate

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Tuesday night, all five mayoral candidates faced off in their final debate. The election is two weeks from today.

The debate at the DuSable Museum was focused on issues facing the African-American community. It was the last chance for the four challengers to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the incumbent mayor.

"It's about leading, not about popularity," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel, candidate for re-election.

Emanuel played defense as the two African American challengers questioned the mayor's policies as they affect the African-American community.

"Blacks have not been treated any better under this administration than we were under Jim Crow," said William "Dock" Walls, candidate for mayor.

"What this mayor is doing is taking all the dollars, about $2 billion last year and less than 1 percent went to African-Americans," said Willie Wilson, candidate for mayor.

Before the debate the mayor - trying to shore up support in the black community - attended an anti-gun rally where he was endorsed by the Rev. Michael Pfleger.

"Mayor Emanuel has the courage to fight this love affair in America with guns," Pfleger said.

"I take the endorsement as something I try to earn every day," Emanuel said.

"The mayor's running scared," said Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, candidate for mayor.

Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia accused the mayor of trying to buy support, holding up the incumbent's anti-Garcia mailers.

"Seven, eight, nine, $10 million later, it hasn't purchased him any love," Garcia said.

During the debate, there was tension not only between Garcia and Fioretti, but also between Wilson and Walls. Walls questioned the businessman's use of Chinese factories to make his products.

"The clothes you're wearing, Mr. Walls, are from China, in case you didn't know it. Alright," Wilson said.

The mayor frequently relied on his campaign talking points, doing so one time when he supposed to be asking one of the other candidates a question.

"Phrase a question, Mr. Emanuel," the moderator said.

"At least once, follow the rules, what we're here for," Fioretti said.

Fioretti and the other challengers dismissed as politics next week's visit by President Obama to announce the South Side Pullman District would be designated a national park. That visit is to happen next Thursday, only five days before the election. The president supports Mayor Emanuel's re-election.