Quigley seeks campaign money
5TH DISTRICT | Signals serious bid for Emanuel's seat
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley said Sunday he plans to file papers today to start collecting campaign funds to run for the congressional seat of Rahm Emanuel, who is leaving to become President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff.
The only other candidate who has started a committee to raise money for the race is state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz.
(Brian Jackson/Sun-Times)
Ald. Patrick O'Connor (40th), Mayor Daley's unofficial City Council floor leader, has told the Sun-Times he will seek the seat if he gets the mayor's backing.
Daley's support could trump any financial advantage that any other candidate might have in the early stages of a campaign.
If Quigley officially enters the race, he could become the anti-Daley administration candidate if Daley does weigh in formally or informally on behalf of a candidate such as O'Connor. In the past, Quigley has clashed with the mayor over issues such as tax-increment financing.
Fifteen or more aldermen, state legislators and other elected and unelected individuals, including hotelier J.B. Pritzker and attorney Matt Devine, have mentioned their names in various stages of considering a run for the seat.