Among the flood of politicians mulling a run for mayor of Chicago are U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Luis Gutierrez. Both are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and both are making noise about the next mayor's policy positions.
This morning, Davis said he thinks there will be a mayoral candidate running on an identifiably progressive platform. But that candidate, whether it's him or not, is going to need a big push from organized supporters. "Whichever candidate it is will not be standing alone, and I don't think candidates emerge alone," Davis told Progress Illinois. "It will be somebody that some groups and people embrace, saying, 'This is our candidate. This our platform.'" The first job for the next mayor, according to Davis, is reconciling the need for services with the city's tremendous fiscal challenges.
Gutierrez, meanwhile, released this statement about his intentions: "Chicago deserves progressive and innovative leadership and a Mayor who is not afraid to make changes and to fight for working families. In the coming days, I will talk with my family and meet with my supporters and make a decision about my future plans."
For now, candidates and potential backers are merely attempting to understand the new political landscape in the city; the specific platforms are yet to come. "There are all kinds of people and all kinds of groups trying to determine what to do and who they are going to support," Davis said. This should start to shake out almost immediately, as the last date to turn in 12,500 signatures from Chicago voters is November 22.
