Rahm Emanuel: Tammy Duckworth is my pick in Dem primary
BY ABDON M. PALLASCH Political Reporter apallasch@suntimes.com February 22, 2012 12:56PM
Rahm Emanuel and Tammy Duckworth in 2011. Emanuel said Wednesday he is endorsing Duckworth in her race for Congress. | Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times
Updated: February 22, 2012 6:48PM
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel endorsed former Veterans Administration official Tammy Duckworth Wednesday for a northwest suburban congressional seat.
In 2006, when Emanuel spearheaded the Democrats’ effort to elect members of Congress, Duckworth’s was the race he probably worked hardest on, though she lost to Republican Peter Roskam.
This time in a new district that includes much of that old district, Duckworth, an Iraqi War vet, faces former Deputy Illinois Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi in the March 20 Democratic primary election.
“Tammy’s no stranger to fighting for her beliefs, no matter the risk,” Emanuel said in a news release. “She understands better than most the economic struggles people are facing right now. That’s why I’m supporting her — we need more members of Congress ready to solve problems and move our country forward.”
Krishnamoorthi entered the race earlier than Duckworth and sewed up endorsements from most of the local party committeemen in Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Polls so far give Duckworth a wide lead.
The winner will face Tea Party Republican Rep. Joe Walsh in the fall.
