Rahm Emanuel's Run for Chicago Mayor Gets Huge Boost

Oct. 27, 2010 -- Rahm Emanuel's bid to replace outgoing Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley got a giant boost today.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, a popular Democrat, announced he would not run for mayor in the Feb., 2011 election. Dart, who had widely been seen as Emanuel's most formidable foe, said he could not run for mayor and also do his job as sheriff.

Dart's surprise announcement follows Tuesday's decision by Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. not to enter the race either. Jackson, who is running for reelection to Congress, bowed out amid allegations of involvement in the Rod Blagojevich scandal and reports of his relationship with a female "social acquaintance."

That leaves Emanuel with a clearer path to the coveted fifth floor office of Chicago's city hall. He now faces likely opposition from two prominent African-Americans, Rev. James Meeks, an Illinois legislator, and former U.S. Senator Carol Mosely Braun. Two Hispanic politicians, Chicago city clerk Miguel Del Valle and former city colleges president Gery Chico, are also running.