Karen Lewis Says Fioretti's Candidacy Will Have 'No Bearing' On Her Decision
(CBS) -- The candidates were out in force at the Mexican Independence Day in Little Village and a lot of the attention went to someone who isn't even a declared candidate yet - if ever: CTU President Karen Lewis.
Lewis arrived early and shook hands and posed for pictures.
WBBM asked her how 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti's candidacy for mayor announced this weekend would affect her own plans.
"It has no bearing on what I'm going to do. I am going to do it based on my bench marks and what I think is important or not," Lewis said. "I love Bob, he is a friend."
Lewis added that Fioretti would be "terrific" as mayor and is not concerned with the possibility of her and Fioretti splitting the vote, allowing Rahm Emanuel to win re-election.
"I don't think that is what the numbers are saying," she said. "My latest numbers are saying we are doing very well. The mayor is where the mayor is and that is what are numbers are saying."
Mayor Emanuel spoke from the parade's grandstand, praising the Little Village neighborhood.
"I am proud that my first visit overseas as mayor was to Mexico City, showing the combination and the friendship between the city of Chicago and our great friends in Mexico City," Emanuel said.
Also at the parade: Alderman Fioretti. Governor Quinn and challenger Bruce Rauner were there, and Senator Dick Durbin.