Internal memo sheds light on how Lightfoot campaign will approach mayoral opponents, by Greg Hinz
So what does Team Lightfoot really think of its chances and those running for mayor against her?
An internal memo from Lightfoot consultant Valerie Martin to members of her finance committee and obtained by Crain’s provides a few hints.
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who announced yesterday, and Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, who reportedly has decided not to run, “have both missed their prime window to build formidable mayoral campaigns,” the memo says.
Beyond that, “the biggest financial backers from Garcia’s previous mayoral run have already endorsed others in the race.” That would be the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU locals covering health care and government workers, both of which are with County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.
The memo doesn’t knock Tunney’s fundraising ability but noted that his Ann Sather restaurant chain was caught breaking shut-down rules when COVID-19 hit and that he opposed raising the city’s minimum wage. The point may be moot, however, as the Chicago Tribune reported late Thursday that Tunney has apparently decided against throwing his hat into the ring. More on that in a bit.
Meanwhile, the memo adds that Garcia “aligned himself with efforts to defund the police” and voted for that defunct soda tax when he was a member of the Cook County Board.
RELATED: Chicago business loses its clout
The memo then goes after what it calls “the Republicans in the race”: businessman Willie Wilson and former schools chief Paul Vallas. “In the weeks ahead, we will continue to demonstrate how these two Republicans will be detrimental to Chicago,” it reads. For instance: asking Wilson if he intends to back Donald Trump for another term as president.
Look for Lightfoot ads to show up real soon, the memo adds. The likely theme: “Her ambitious agenda of expanding opportunities and inclusive economic growth across Chicago. She has led the city through the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic and more with tough, fair leadership, and we plan to start aggressively communicating that in the days to come.”
A campaign spokeswoman declined comment on the memo.
Tom Tunney/WTTW
Back to Tunney for a moment.
After toying for months with a possible run, he has decided not to join the mayoral fray.
With Garcia’s entry into the race, the field is undeniably crowded. Even so, many City Hall watchers had observed that Tunney would have a lane by which to mount a campaign. As a longtime small business owner, having owned and operated the popular Ann Sather restaurant in Lake View since 1981, many believed Tunney could be the type of candidate the business community could coalesce behind.
In the end, that potential support apparently wasn’t enough to push Tunney into the ring.
