A major union in Chicago, the SEIU has endorsed Jesus “Chuy” Garcia to defeat Rahm Emanuel in the upcoming runoff election for mayor. The general election is an anticlimax as only a democrat can win in Chicago, which explains why the city is in such rotten shape. The endorsement will come with about 2 million in campaign contributions and assures Garcia of additional ground troops as he tries to dethrone Emanuel. Many see this as a slap at the White House. Tom Balanoff,, president of the SEIU explains the endorsement:
“We think there is a clear contrast between Chuy Garcia and Rahm Emanuel.”
“Mayor Emanuel doesn’t understand that what made Chicago great was working people. We think he has totally turned his back on that.”
Emanuel outspent Garcia by a 12 to 1 margin. In the runoff election, Emanuel has raised 15 million to Garcia’s 1.2 million but with the SEIU money the margin will shrink to less than 5 to 1. The endorsement by the SEIU and improved chances of Garcia actually winning could bring out a flurry of cash from individuals and corporations hoping to ingratiate themselves into Garcia’s good graces. It could also halt the flow into Emanuel’s war chest as it becomes less likely he will win.
Unions have soured on Obama over his failure to allow the Keystone Pipeline from being built, costing 40,000 union members jobs. They also point at his failure to enact card check and secret ballot voting for union authorizations. Union membership is dwindling fast and those initiatives could help stem the tide. It becomes even more important as Scott Walker has become a major force for the 2016 presidential elections. Walker is known for combating unions and winning.
Before the democratic primary, Emanuel was considered a shoo in to win but those odds are dropping as fast as employment levels for American citizens.
