Sen. Kirk: Chicago Could End Up Like Detroit If Mayor Emanuel Not Re-Elected
(CBS) -- Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk has given his tacit endorsement of Mayor Rahm Emanuel for re-election, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
He refused to call it an endorsement, but Senator Mark Kirk made clear he feels Chicago would risk dire financial straits like Detroit has seen if Mayor Emanuel is not re-elected.
"I think the people running against Rahm don't have the gravitas with the bond market," Kirk said. "I would worry about the value of a Chicago debt if Rahm was not re-elected."
Kirk did not refer to challenger Chuy Garcia by name and Garcia sought to downplay the comments.
"Well, it is not a non-partisan election, it sounds like a political comment," Garcia said. "He is entitled to it. This is a serious issue and we'll continue to address it head-on."
Both men spoke after attending a Pulaski Day celebration at the Polish Museum of America.