Many of the better-known candidates met with voters and asked for their support. And although, most would agree, serious issues surround the upcoming election, questions about whether Rahm Emanuel meets the residency requirement to run for the office still dominates.
Ready to talk issues, however, Emanuel stumped for votes in the city's Beverly neighborhood as he prepared to fight to stay on the February ballot.
The campaign of the former White House chief of staff kicked into high gear this weekend, amid the opening of a new campaign office and a voter canvassing effort. Emanuel once again said he was eligible to run for mayor -- adding that issuing a subpoena to try to compel his wife to testify before the election board goes too far.
"I'm the one running for office. My wife is doing the most important thing to me, which is raising our children. I'll answer all questions about my ability as it relates to running for mayor," the candidate said.
Meanwhile, during a visit to an event for seniors in Chinatown, mayoral challenger Gery Chico remained committed to his plan to improve schools, reduce crime, and create jobs.
"As far as residency challenges and all that other stuff goes, that's on a different stage. Our campaign has a strategy, a plan and a focus, and that's what we're about," said Chico.
While Emanuel's residency continues to dominate campaign discourse, mayoral candidate and former U.S. senator Carol Moseley-Braun was talking about Emanuel's lack of participation in three scheduled mayoral forums.
"And if this guy is going to hide behind his money and not want to talk about the issues or talk to the voters, that is chicken, and yes, I'm happy to call him out on it," she said.
Two other frontrunners for mayor attended a CHA senior gala. Congressman Danny Davis highlighted his concern for seniors in Chicago.
"I propose to also enlist senior citizens in a very serious way," said Davis.
State senator and candidate for mayor James Meeks has been taking some heat for campaigning from the pulpit.
"Anybody who is a good Christian should be a good citizen. A good citizen should be someone who understands politics," said Meeks.
The election board will meet Tuesday to take up the issue of Emanuel's eligibility. Once that is decided, the candidates will most likely turn their full focus to the issues voters are concerned about, like the economy, jobs, education, and reducing crime.
