Mayor Emanuel Turns To Ministers To Marshal African-American Support
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With just two weeks to go until the runoff election, Mayor Emanuel is pushing hard to marshal African-American clergy to turn out a big vote for him, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
The mayor spoke earnestly to dozens of mostly South Side ministers and other about his accomplishments and plans. Then several, like Pastor Albert Tyson, pledged support, blending the biblical with the political.
"We remember that the scripture says, 'O come, O come Emmanuel' that we might lift up who has come in the name of our father to provide us with the leadership that is necessary," said Tyson.
Mayor Emanuel admitted he's made decisions that have angered some congregation members.
"I have been evaluated, I've made my mistakes," Emanuel said. "They're mine and I own them."
The meeting had a practical, as well as spiritual, purpose. The clergy were directed to try to get their congregations to vote early, just in case there's bad weather on April 7.
The mayor was assuring them a vote for him is the right one for their followers.
"They've seen where I've tried to put my emphasis, what political struggles I'll make on behalf of who and most importantly we've talked constantly, repeatedly, about children," Emanuel.
Some ministers said even the school closings were done with helping children in mind.