All mayoral candidates square off in debate at ABC7

CHICAGO (WLS) -- All five candidates in the race for mayor squared off Thursday night in a televised debate at ABC7's studios.

WATCH: Mayoral candidates debate at ABC7 studios

In answer to the debate's first question, the mayor defended his administration from allegations that donors to his campaign had ties to firms that do business with City Hall.

"The first six executive orders I signed as mayor on day one was to change the culture and tighten the rules around contributions and ethics in the City of Chicago," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel, candidate for re-election.

But the challengers said Emanuel - in raising a $30 million political war chest - had used loopholes violating the spirit of his own executive orders.

"Is that the only way that you can get a contract is by giving significant money," said Ald. Bob Fioretti, candidate for mayor.

"The mayor is the ultimate status quo, the ultimate machine politician," said Cmsr. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, candidate for mayor.

"We have a Rahm Emanuel problem because he hasn't seen a donation that he's not willing to accept," said William "Dock" Walls, candidate for mayor.

As expected, the incumbent was targeted for most of the hour-long session. Only Emanuel supported the current appointed school board system. Only Fioretti would consider a city income or "commuter" tax, and only businessman Willie Wilson supported allowing zones in the city where workers could choose if they wanted to join a union.

"I'm for right-to-work. This is a free country," said Willie Wilson, candidate for mayor.

"I oppose right-to-work laws because they undermine the middle class and middle class jobs," Emanuel said.

But the mayor was criticized for being out of touch with the middle class as his opponents styled themselves as neighborhood champions.

"I am in fact the neighborhood guy in this race who wants to bring change to City Hall," Garcia said.

"My values were shaped on the South Side by my working class parents," Fioretti said.

The debate ended with closing statements by candidates, and a surprising prayer by Wilson.

"We asked you to bless Channel 7, as you bless all those who made this possible, oh Lord," Wilson said.

There is one more formal debate next week sponsored by the Chicago Urban League.

The city election is on February 24.