CTU President Karen Lewis Hospitalized, Union Denies Rumor Of Stroke
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Teachers Union President and potential mayoral contender Karen Lewis has spent the past two nights in the hospital, after feeling discomfort and lightheaded.
WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports CTU representatives were quick to shoot down rumors Lewis suffered a stroke.
"I believe they're going to go through a series of tests, but in terms of the rumor, I can tell you emphatically that there's no report of a stroke," CTU Deputy Political Director Brandon Johnson said.
Johnson said Lewis was feeling discomfort on Sunday evening.
"She's feeling a little lightheaded. Her body's been through quite a bit over the last few months with the weight loss," he said. "A little stiff in some areas, and so there was a decision just to get her checked out to make sure she was OK."
Since Lewis had weight loss surgery in March, she has lost more than 100 pounds, according to Johnson.
Lewis has been on a "listening tour" of Chicago as she contemplates a run for mayor.
"She's in good spirits, just getting her rest. Just running tests just to make sure all the precautions that need to be taken are taken," Johnson said.
Whether Lewis's discomfort is related to bariatric surgery performed in Mexico, which preceded her dramatic weight loss, isn't clear, CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports.
Just three weeks ago, Lewis seemed fine, attending the Mexican Independence Parade. She told reporters then that a crowded mayoral primary would be healthy for voters.
Lewis has led the CTU since 2010. She has been a vocal opponent of incumbent Mayor Rahm Emanuel, particularly over last year's public school closings.
"The Mayor wishes Karen well, and that she makes a full and speedy recovery," Emanuel's office said in a prepared statement.
A spokesperson for Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd), who has announced he is running against Emanuel next year, said Fioretti wishes Lewis a speedy recovery.