RAHMING IT THROUGH – AT 9:07 A.M. ET:  Rahm Emanuel's path to the mayor's office in Chicago has gotten progressively easier.  That's an important job because the mayor of Chicago is a traditional kingmaker in the Democratic Party.  From The Politico:

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., saddled by his ties to disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and a relationship with a female “social acquaintance,” has opted not to run for mayor of Chicago.

The decision by the Democratic congressman to sit out the race means former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, considered a frontrunner, has one less opponent to fend off in his bid for the mayor’s office, which he has long coveted.

Jackson’s announcement, in a statement Monday, makes him the second congressman in as many weeks to choose not to join the crowded field taking shape to replace longtime Mayor Richard M. Daley. Rep. Luis Gutierrez also said no.

Both Jackson and Gutierrez had considered running for mayor before, even when it would have meant a primary challenge against Daley, but did not.

COMMENT:  Emanuel is hardly popular in the Chicago Democratic machine, and he's not a member of one of the ethnic groups that traditionally competes for power.  So he still will face competition.  But the heavy hitters have struck out before him.  "Mayor Rahm" doesn't sound so unusual. 

I don't think an Emanuel mayoralty will make much difference in the 2012 presidential election, as Obama would probably take Illinois pretty easily, without Rahm's help.  But beyond that...

October 26, 2010