Meeks, Davis stand with Braun in mayor’s race
By mary houlihan Staff Reportermhoulihan@suntimes.com January 2, 2011 3:42PM
Mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun speaks to the congregation Sunday at the Apostolic Assembly of the Lord. | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times
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Updated: May 1, 2011 4:45AM
Carol Moseley Braun began the new year speaking before the Sunday morning congregation at Salem Baptist Church — accompanied by her former rivals, the church’s pastor state Sen. James Meeks and Rep. Danny Davis.
Braun was greeted with polite applause from the audience. She began to lay out her concerns for the city of Chicago, including education and safe streets.
“We can’t have a city divided or a people divided,” Braun said. “We must make sure Chicago’s future is brighter.”
Meeks offered prayers for a “circle of unity in the African-American community” and for “all the candidates and their families as they run this race.”
Meeks received strong applause after adding that he hopes “the candidates talk about the issues and not each other.”
Later talking to reporters, Davis restated the fact that money and Braun’s resources to bring it in played an issue in his decision to leave the race.
“Logic at some point needed to prevail,” Davis said. “Money is a tremendous factor. You can’t run a top flight campaign without resources.”
Braun has allotted $5 million for the campaign, including a run-off if needed.
Braun emphasized that she is running for the entire city.
“We want to understand the needs of the entire city,” Braun said. “That is one of the overreaching concerns of this campaign.”
Braun also questioned candidate Rahm Emanuel’s Chicago residency and stated flatly, “I don’t think Rahm Emanuel lives in Chicago. But there’s no question that I live here.”
Braun was scheduled to speak at two other churches Sunday.
