Candidates line up to challenge Mayor Emanuel
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Monday was the deadline for candidates to file papers to challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Chicago's 2015 city election.
Candidates are required to file at least 12,500 signatures in order to run for mayor, and candidates often submit many more in case the validity of signatures are challenged.
Alderman Bob Fioretti handed over 55,000 signatures for his mayoral bid. While it doesn't compare to mayor Rahm Emanuel's multimillion dollar war chest, Fioretti says the petitions are an example of his grass roots campaign that he believes will beat Emanuel.
"We did not have the money, we did not have special interests that guided this campaign," Fioretti said. "It's a volunteer campaign. We have people in every ward."
Fioretti is not alone; Emanuel challengers are lining up. Dr. Amara Enyia dropped of her petitions Monday, as did businessman Willie Wilson. Wilson says he managed to get 50,000 signatures in less than five days.
"We had over 1,000 people volunteer for me," Wilson said. "It's history, I believe, for somebody to do this in just five-and-a-half days."
Cook County Commissioner Jesus " Chuy" Garcia proudly filed his petition with 60,000 signatures. Garcia says the amount of signatures he and other challengers have collected is a reflection of the mayor's unpopularity with voters.
"I think people have demonstrated their disaffection for quite some time in all neighborhoods in the city," Gardia said, "and our ability to collect 60,000 signatures in three weeks is a statement."
While he may be keeping track of poll numbers and money raised, Emanuel says he is not worried about the amount of signatures collected. The mayor turned 43,000 in last week.
"You guys will look at how many signatures. I'm going to look at how many kids are graduating from high school," Mayor Emanuel said.
In response to charges that he is not popular with voters, Emanuel said that when he took office he had to make some tough choices because the city was in a tough place.
