President Clinton in Chicago for Emanuel fundraiser

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former president Bill Clinton was in Chicago Friday night to help raise money for Mayor Rahm Emanuel's re-election campaign. The fundraiser is being held at Studio Paris in the River North neighborhood.

The mayor met his mentor and old political ally on the South Side where they toured one of the early childhood learning centers into which Emanuel's administration has pumped $36 million in the past three years.

Earlier, the mayor took part in a roundtable discussion about the role of minorities in energy innovation. Recent polls suggest the mayor's African-American support has dropped dramatically in the wake of school closings and perceived increased crime in black neighborhoods.

Congressman Bobby Rush- who convened and sat next to Emanuel at the roundtable- was unsure if the mayor had enough time left to rebuild his African-American base.

"I hope that he can, at least he should try to," Rep. Rush said.

Former Alderman Robert Shaw, police officer Frederick Collins, lawyer Amara Enyia and blogger William Kelly have declared their intentions to run against Emanuel next year.

"Rahm is the mayor of the one percent," said William Kelly. "I'd like to be the Mayor of the 100% of the city of Chicago."

Tickets to Friday night's Paris Club fundraiser range from $250 for standing room up to $25,000 for chairperson status.

"I think the Mayor still does not understand this is not about money," said Amara Enyia. "He can raise money to the infinity but this is about the people of Chicago. And the people of Chicago know better."