Nov. 01--While Mayor Rahm Emanuel let politics trump friendship in backing Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn over Republican challenger Bruce Rauner, Quinn didn't return the favor Friday when asked if Emanuel deserves another term in office.
"I am going to deal with my election on Tuesday, there will be plenty of time to talk about that," Quinn told reporters after appearing with Emanuel at a training session that turned into a political rally for hundreds of new Safe Passage workers hired by Chicago Public Schools.
The governor's comments came after Emanuel told the predominantly African-American crowd that many of their jobs came courtesy of the governor, who gave the city $10 million in state funding to expand the school route safety program. The city has focused on Safe Passage after Emanuel's Chicago Board of Education closed nearly 50 schools last year amid concerns from parents that students traveling along new routes to different schools may run into problems.
"The children of the city of Chicago have a governor who is going to invest in their future," Emanuel told cheering workers, adding that making sure students get to school safely means they can focus on their studies. "There's a reason the governor has your back, it's because you have the backs of the children of the city of Chicago."
Quinn hopes to hold on to his large base of African-American support in the city to offset Rauner's support Downstate and in the suburbs outside Cook County. Meanwhile, Emanuel is seeking to shore up his support among black voters heading into his re-election effort in February.
Quinn called Emanuel a "good friend" but would not say if he supports the mayor's bid for re-election. Emanuel had faced a potential challenge from Chicago Teachers Union leader Karen Lewis, but she decided not to run after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. That's left Ald. Robert Fioretti, 2nd, and Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia as elected officials who've said they plan to run for mayor.
Emanuel threw his public support behind Quinn despite their sometimes-strained relationship and Emanuel's friendship with Rauner. Though Emanuel and Rauner have vacationed together at the Republican's Montana ranch, they say they disagree on many policy issues.
"He's a good friend," Quinn said of Emanuel. "I will be dealing with the mayoral election when the mayoral election comes about. I have to worry about four days from today. I am going to work as hard as I can in the next four days to win this election."
Rauner also refused to insert himself into the mayoral race on Friday.
"I'm not involved in any other races, what I'm doing is running for governor and we're going to win this race and turn our government around down in Springfield," Rauner said following an appearance at a Wheeling cardboard factory where he told workers that Quinn was part of a "broken system."
Rauner has spent $27.6 million of his fortune on the race, including $1.45 million he gave to his campaign on Tuesday. The first-time candidate says the expense is worth the opportunity and won't take a salary or pension if elected.
"Illinois is worth sacrificing for, Illinois is worth fighting for," Rauner said. "This is my chance to be a public servant."
mcgarcia@tribune.com
mmanchir@tribune.com
