Candidates Braun, Watkins Meet Again
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayoral candidates Carol Moseley Braun and Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins are meeting Friday for the first time since Braun made a comment about Watkins of being "strung out on crack."
Braun and Watkins joined other candidates at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., to talk about nutrition for Chicago Public Schools students. Mayoral frontrunner Rahm Emanuel was also invited to attend, but it was unclear whether he planned to do so.
"Patricia, the reason you didn't know where I was for the last 20 years is because you were strung out on crack. Now, you have admitted to that," Braun said, staring at Watkins. "You also were in a cult. You have admitted to that."
Watkins, a community activist, has admitted past drug use. But she says she hasn't touched a drug, an alcoholic drink or a cigarette in 32 years.
Watkins initially said she did not expect an apology from Braun. But Braun issued a public apology on Tuesday.
"I want to apologize to her ... and to all of the families and friends of those who are or have been caught up in the tragedy of drug use," Braun said Tuesday.
