Emanuel wins political election for mayor of Chicago

The political election results are in, and Chicago voters have elected Rahm Emanuel as Mayor of Chicago. Emanuel left the White House Chief of Staff position he held to run in the mayoral race, despite legal challenges of his candidacy. He will take over in May, when he is inaugurated.

Emanuel ends up getting most votes

Since candidates would not get over 50 percent of votes, many were worried the Chicago mayoral election would end in a second runoff election. Just in case a candidate does not get over 50 percent of votes, a 2 round voting system is implemented in areas such as Chicago. Emanuel received 55 percent of the votes in the Chicago political election, in accordance with the Christian Science Monitors, avoiding a runoff and becoming the mayor-elect. When it came to competition, Rahm didn't really have any. Mayor Richard Daley's former Chief of Staff, Gery Chico, was the closest in the competition. About 24 percent of votes went to Chico.

The law stopping things from continuing

Rahm Emanuel had faced legal challenges in his bid to become the 55th mayor of Chicago. Early on, his candidacy was challenged in the courtroom on the grounds that he lived primarily in Washington, D.C., as he was the Chief of Staff for the Obama White House and thus was not a true resident of Chicago, according to the Washington Post. However, a series of appeals that went to the Illinois Supreme Court, which found in favor of Emanuel. He entered a field of six final candidates, and emerged the clear winner.

Emanuel has large shoes to fill in Chicago

CBS states that Mayor Richard M. Daley has been the Chicago Mayor since 1989 while Emanuel is now replacing him. Emanuel faces a budget deficit of $655 million and increasing crime rates. The City of Chicago will get another 1,000 police officers, he announced in a victory speech. He also promised to, in his first month in office, cut $75 million at the very least.

Articles cited

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/2011/0223/Chicago-election-results-catapult-Rahm-Emanuel-into-mayor-s-office/%28page%29/2

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2011/02/22/ST2011022207071.html?sid=ST2011022207071

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20035263-503544.html