CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot was out Wednesday morning thanking voters for putting her in the April runoff election against Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Lightfoot was the top vote-getter in the race for mayor and called that honor "sweet."
She shook hands, gave hugs and took selfies with commuters at the CTA Clark and Lake station for a few minutes.
Lightfoot also told reporters there’s a stark contrast between her and her opponent Toni Preckwinkle.
"I am an independent, reform candidate. I do not represent the past. I am not tied to the broken, political machine. I didn’t aspire to climb the ranks of the Cook County Democratic Party and be the party boss," she said.
"I’m not affiliated with Ed Burke or Joe Berrios or anyone else who really represents the old corrupt Chicago way."
The former federal prosecutor answered Preckwinkle's critique that Lightfoot did not have the kind of executive experience needed to be mayor. Lightfoot pointed out she was head of the Chicago Police Board and that she was general counsel and chief of staff for the City's 911 center and dealt with 11 different unions, Homeland Security and other agencies.
"The notion that I don't have executive experience is just wishful thinking," she said.
She said she'll take that fight with Preckwinkle "all day long."
Lightfoot said she’ll work hard to earn a victory on April 2.
"We have five more weeks and we’ll be taking the fight to every neighborhood again to make sure that people understand the clear choices between me and President Preckwinkle," she said.
She said she received text messages and calls from people last night who were "shocked" that she was the top vote-getter. She said she felt things were going her way when she was campaigning.
"We knew something was happening. It feels pretty sweet," Lightfoot said.
Lightfoot said she's offering voters a "complete break from (the Democratic Party Machine) past and pushing us forward in a way that we can bring people together and make government far more accountable."
Lightfoot also notes the historical nature of the election.
"It’s the first time that we’ve had a real choice, really since Harold Washington ran the second time. So, I am excited about the opportunity to make the case to voters all over the city."