Karen Lewis 'considering' run for Chicago mayor
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Eyewitness News has an exclusive interview with Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis. For the first time, Lewis spoke on camera about why she is considering a run for mayor of Chicago.
WATCH: Full ABC7 interview with Karen Lewis
This is Karen Lewis putting her toe in the water. For the first time on TV, she is making her case about why she thinks voters should give Rahm Emanuel the boot and "possibly" consider her as his replacement.
Many Chicagoans have come to know Karen Lewis as the fiery foil to Mayor Rahm Emanuel. But now, she's thinking about a new role.
"I don't think this is necessarily about 'Rahm needs to go,' I think people have already decided that. Twenty-nine percent approval rating sounds like you need to go," said Lewis.
But why her? Lewis is more comfortable talking about what she's "for" than "against."
"At this point in time I'm looking at, where is the voice of the people of Chicago? And I'm not hearing that out of the fifth floor," said Lewis.
ABC7's Ben Bradley asks: "You don't want him to run essentially unopposed?"
"Well, I don't think he should. That's not very democratic process. Some think they're entitled at it shouldn't be the way it's done," said Lewis.
Running a city of 2.7 million is far different than leading a union with 26,000 members. When asked about tough choices like pensions and taxes, she wants more money.
"There have to be other ways to generate revenue in this city. We've talked about financial transfer tax, a change in the way TIFs are done and even broadening the service base of taxing, looking at a commuter tax," said Lewis.
Bradley says: "Everything you've said is taxing, not cutting."
"Well, we're pretty much bare bones right now," said Lewis.
Lewis says she'll spend the next month making her decision and doesn't rule out keeping her union post while she runs. The former chemistry teacher is noticeably thinner after undergoing weight loss surgery.
How will she lead? Lewis says look to her four years as president of CTU.
"Our union was fractured and broken. We were able to bring folks together with completely different constituencies," said Lewis.
Lewis won't say whether she's just waiting to see if another high profile candidate enters the race. Ald. Bob Fioretti is considering a run and may attract some of the same union support. None will be able to match Mayor Emanuel's huge war chest.
