Attorney Burt Odelson filed his challenge Friday with the Chicago Board of Elections. He says the crucial fact is that Emanuel rented his Chicago home to a tenant so he wasn't a resident as required by law. Odelson claims it's irrelevant that the former Chicago congressman intended to return.
"The law says you have to have a physical presence, not just intent. Maintaining your residency means you have a place to go home to, a place you can sleep at, a place where your wife and your family are, a place where your clothes are, your residence," said Odelson.
Fourteen other petitions challenging Emanuel's residency were filed on Wednesday.
Emanuel says he was born in the city, owns a home here, and is a Chicagoan.
