CHICAGO, Illinois - October 5, 2010 - On Sunday, Rahm Emanuel announced in a video posted on a website that he is preparing to run for mayor of Chicago. But two of Chicago's top election lawyers say the state's municipal code is crystal clear that a candidate for mayor must reside in the town for a year before the election.
That doesn't mean they must simply own a home in the city that they rent out to someone else. They must have a place they can walk into, keep a toothbrush, hang up their jacket and occasionally sleep, the lawyers say.
Another three election lawyers say Emanuel could be thrown off the ballot on a residency challenge. None says Emanuel will have it easy.
Today, Emanuel launches his "listening tour" of Chicago neighborhoods - taking his message and open ears, he says, to Chicago's "grocery stores, L stops, bowling alleys and hot dog stands."