CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Democratic Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia threw his considerable political weight behind three campaigns for seats on the Chicago City Council.
Garcia has been increasingly influential in Illinois politics lately. Lisa Hernandez, the new state Democratic party chair, had his backing. On Wednesday came to City Hall to back Latino candidates for alderman.
“Over a span of 40 years, we’ve been building an organization and electing a new generation of progressive leaders,” Garcia said.
He endorsed incumbent Ald. Mike Rodriguez (22nd) for re-election and Ana Guajardo for the 10th Ward seat being vacated by Sue Sadlowski Garza.
In the 14th Ward, where indicted Ald. Ed Burke is the incumbent, Garcia’s choice was Jeylú Gutierrez, a top staffer for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya.
Gutierrez said the 14th Ward office has not been serving the Latino residents of the ward very well. In fact, some people have been coming to the Cook County Commissioners office seeking services.
Burke was re-elected last cycle despite corruption charges against him. But the legal cloud over Burke’s head and a redrawn ward map make him vulnerable.
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