As if Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot hasnt already faced enough challenges, the embattled mayor, who is running for a second term, has recently created more problems for herself.
While speaking at a campaign event, Lightfoot said that voters should just stay home, if they planned to vote for her opponents; Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia or Paul Vallas.
The upcoming mayoral election is actually an eight-person race, and election day is set for Feb 28th. Most expect the real race to come down to just Lightfoot and one of these opponents. Most likely, it is expected that a run-off election will be needed to determine who the next mayor of Chicago will be. Because the race will be close and most likely largely a contest between these three candidates, Lightfoot was heard saying that a vote for anyone not named Lightfoot is a vote for Garcia or Vallas. This statement made many Chicago citizens uncomfortable as it belittled individual voters' decisions.
Lightfoot didnt stop there, though. The current mayor, who has already seen her share of controversy, went on to say, If you want them (Vallas or Garcia) controlling your fate and destiny, then stay home. Dont vote. These words, discouraging voters from coming out to vote on February 28th, caused quite a stir among those working to advocate for voter participation. Lightfoot has often advocated for voter participation, so this message came off as contradictory and hypocritical.
After being called out by her opponents, Lightfoot clarified her statements.
"If I said anything other than everybody everywhere needs to vote, then I misspoke in the heat of a campaign rally," she said. "But Ive been very consistent all along saying everybody everywhere needs to step up, and they need to vote just as I said today."
Lightfoots opponents, however, were quick to pounce on the hypocrisy.
"This is disqualifying rhetoric for anyone hoping to lead a Chicago that is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic city," Garcia retorted.
Of course, Lightfoot showed up to cast her vote at Northeastern Illinois University on Monday, again attempting to correct her previous statements discouraging voting.
This is just another instance that strengthens the belief expressed by Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson; also a mayoral candidate, that Chicago is ready for real leadership, and that citizens want to turn the page, during this mayoral election.
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