Battle For Rahm Emanuel's Congressional Seat Underway

The Hill:

It didn't take long for Chicago Democrats to start jumping at the impending open seat in Rep. Rahm Emanuel's (D-Ill.) district.

State Rep.-elect Deborah Mell, the sister-in-law of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), told The Hill that she would run just hours after Emanuel officially accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to become his chief of staff on Thursday.

Mell's father is longtime Alderman Richard Mell, and her sister is married to Blagojevich. An open lesbian, Mell said she has a solid base to work with in the 5th district's gay community.

She said she "would imagine" that the governor would endorse her.

Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley said he is leaning toward running and even took a quick swipe at Mell.

Read the whole story: The Hill

Comments

[mjrovito]

I know there are some Democrats/liberals who have some beef with Rahm for his stance on immigration reform back in 2006. Some claim that his views on Dem support for reform would have repercussions in the Congressional races (again, 2006), and for individuals to steer clear on commenting on their stance.

However, I don't think it is that divisive of a choice. Rahm is a very intelligent individual who can offer much to Obama's administration.

http://rovitoreview.blogspot.com

[RobHughey]

I say go with Mell. The nation needs more gay representatives. The nation owes a whole lot to gay people right now, especially those of us that spent so much time, money and effort on behalf of the Democrats only to be slapped in the face all across the nation.

[norachicago]

While I agree that the nation could use more gay representatives, Deb Mell is not the way to go. She has been an outstanding advocate for equality but is otherwise completely unqualified. Her career path was in culinary arts and landscaping. She hasn't even been sworn in yet for the position she was just elected to, nor has she held any previous office. The only reason that she is in the position she is in today is because her father is a powerful alderman and her sister is married to our (inept) governor. Please, enough with the family political dynasties; they don't help Chicago or the country.

[RobHughey]

Oh, really? Well that's disappointing.

But I have faith that his replacement will be someone Progressive and have the city's and nation's best interest at heart. You deserve that.

As you can tell, I'm totally hearting Chicago right now. :-)

[juantenorio]

Rahm Emanuel is a rabid pro-Zionist.

His father ran guns for the Irgun in the thirties.

Goodbye any change in US-Israel-Palestine relations.

[08timefortruth]

How the heck old is his father then? Please provide links when making accusations.

[HubertR]

I guess he is "on" the same thing as Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1034855.html

[Mysticalsister]

you are high. put the bong down.

[Egalitare]

That is more than pot. That is some serious Wasilla-grade Meth!

[lecraftygirl]

yeah its def not pot. he'd be cool and mellow.