Karen Lewis will not run for mayor in Chi-town.

[littlewolf]

she has cancerous brain tumor. :<

http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/karen-lewis-has-brain-tumor-not-running-mayor/mon-10132014-501pm

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who just pulled out of mayoral contention, is suffering from a cancerous brain tumor that was diagnosed shortly after she experienced a severe headache last week.
As a result, Lewis underwent a five-hour surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she is scheduled to undergo a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, according to a source close to Lewis.

snip

Lewis has wanted Mayor Rahm Emanuel gone practically since he took office, but she will not be the one to unseat him in February, the head of her mayoral exploratory committee said Monday.
“Karen Lewis has decided to not pursue a mayoral bid,” Travis said. “Yet she charges us to continue fighting for strong neighborhood schools, safe communities and good jobs for everyone.


more at the link.

[Chisox08]

1. It's sad that she can't run against him and I hope she gets better soon.

My Alderman Bob Fioretti will run and he has my support. Rahm Emanuel must go.

[AngryAmish]

2. We will see if Fioretti is a stooge or not.

There will be 2-3 black candidates, a minister and maybe CM Braun again, to split the black vote.

Rahm wins in a cakewalk.

Democracy is vibrant in Chicago.

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Rahm would be the front runner even with Lewis in the race

People like Lewis, but they're not sure she's qualified - that's my read on talking to people anyway. Her leadership of the CTU has been stellar, so her illness (I've also heard brain tumor through the rumor mill) is a public tragedy as well as a personal one.

But Rahm's base constituencies in the wealthy North Side neighborhoods are going to be pretty happy, as the North Side is booming now. If he can split South and West at a decent rate he wins in a walk. Fioretti is a nice enough guy, and would probably do the city good, but I don't see how he beats Emanuel five months from now.

[AngryAmish]

5. The city kinda sucks right now

The only spots I see booming are Humboldt Park by the high line clone and Pilson. City workers are not happy. Pensions are gonna bankrupt us.

The black community is seething. Rahm don't care. He will split their vote.

Foods good, tho. The number of yuppie fried chicken places has never been higher.

I figure 3 more years and I can retire and move somewhere warm.

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. There are certainly problems

But I wouldn't say the city sucks. Much of the north side is doing well. Lots of nice stores and restaurants. Housing has rebounded, and there's tons of new construction, especially in the really upscale neighborhoods (North Center, Lincoln Park, Old Irving Park, etc.). Hell, Logan Square is booming at night - fun, too. I actually really love Chicago right now, but I know our north side idyll is paid for by the complete neglect of the South Side and the West Sides, as well as the less affluent areas up here.

Lewis' answer on pensions was trifling, unfortunately. We need to raise taxes, period. All this nonsense about finding it in the budget is a lie, whether it's coming from Lewis or Rahm or Bob Fiorelli.

All that said, I'm loving Chicago right now. Sounds like you're ready to move on, which I suppose is OK, as it is up to us younger folks to make the city anew again.

[AngryAmish]

10. By the life table I got about 35 years left

I got money so I am gonna stop working. I would love to invest in Chicago but she is going down. I just have to figure out where there are good schools in a warm place. And Florida is out because, well, it is Florida.

[Chisox08]

11. I doubt that he will split the West side.

The people who I have talked to are pissed. City employees are pissed as well as the unions. If we can get a strong turn out in black communities we can push him out. Doc Walls shouldn't run, I believe his purpose is to split the vote enough for Rahm to win.

[alcibiades_mystery]

12. Oh, I don't mean an even split

If Rahm pulls 35% on the west side, higher turnout up north will save him. I think he could pull it with 30%. It's unfortunate, but challengers waited too long. I agree people are pissed, but who's going to beat Rahm? Fioretti? You really think so?

[Chisox08]

13. I think he can but turnout will be the key.

From the few times that I have spoken to Fioretti it seems like he actually cares for the people.

[Stellar]

4. I hope that doesn't happen.

Black candidate should've learned a lesson on how Harold Washington won. White people were splitting their votes. African Americans were saying they wouldn't do that, if it ever came up against them. Some would have to drop out. And please, NO Carol Mosley Braun.

[AngryAmish]

6. You act like your vote counts in Chicago

It does not. The game is rigged.

[Stellar]

7. Then, why vote at all?

If I'm shit out of luck....

[AngryAmish]

8. Habit. Or if tou want to climb the ladder have it on record that you vote.

Also, you get a free beer at Quenchers on election day if you show your "I voted" sticker.

This democracy theater in Chicago is for the marks.