CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- How did we get here?
The earliest part of the race for Chicago mayor was dominated and even disrupted by reports of a federal raid on the offices of powerful Ald. Ed Burke and subsequent federal charges. There were headlines about wiretaps on another alderman, and Mayor Emanuel's decison not to run again was a factor.
Now, the race comes down to current Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and longtime attorney and former Police Board president Lori Lightfoot.
"As county board president, I've worked to transform institutions -- our public health and our public safety systems and had great success. And I think the experience that I've had, both as a local elected official and as the chief executive of the second-largest county in the country, prepare me uniquely for the job to be mayor of the city of Chicago.
"And it's not an entry level position."
But Lightfoot says the kind of experience someone has matters.
"I've got a depth of experience. Yeah, I haven't been a career politician -- thank goodness, because I'm not carrying that baggage with me. I haven't cut a bunch of deals that are going to compromise my ability to do the right thing. And what I think people want and why they're rallying to our cause is they understand we have to break from the past. We must have change."
On Chicago's South Side, Congresswoman Robin Kelly is tagging along with Lori Lightfoot in last minute canvassing efforts. The mayoral hopeful tells reporters "people are ready for change...nothing will happen if you don't vote." @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/liHoxLTde8
— Andy Dahn (@thisisandydahn) March 31, 2019The candidates both bill themselves as progressives.
