RAHM Emanuel CAN RUN for mayor of Chicago, the Illinois high court ruled

WGN-TV/CLTV/WGN-AM To Broadcast Live Mayoral Debate January 27

The Chicago Tribune and City Club of Chicago are teaming up to host a major mayoral debate on Thursday, January 27, at 7:00pm. The four major contenders to become the next City of Chicago Mayor -- Gery Chico, Miguel del Valle, Rahm Emanuel and Carol Moseley Braun (listed in alphabetical order) -- will be taking part in the debate. The one-hour debate will be broadcast live on television on WGN-TV and CLTV, and on radio on WGN-AM.

The moderators for the debate will be Micah Materre, WGN-TV News at Nine co-anchor, and Bruce Dold, Chicago Tribune Editorial Page Editor. The debate will be held and broadcast from Studio 2 at WGN-TV’s north side studio (2501 N. Bradley Pl, Chicago). The order of the four candidates appearances will be determined by a random draw of names just prior to the start of the event. The candidates will each be standing at a podium with a podium microphone, facing the television cameras. A small invitation-only audience will be in attendance.

Chicago Tribune Senior Vice-President/Editor Gerould Kern said in a statement: "This is a decisive moment for the City of Chicago, and this televised debate will help citizens determine who is best to lead the city into the future. We are committed to helping Chicagoans navigate the issues in this vital election."

City Club of Chicago President Jay Doherty added: "This debate is crucial to the future of our great city. The City Club of Chicago is proud to be a part of the Chicago Tribune team presenting this important civic event."

In addition to being broadcast live on WGN-TV, CLTV and WGN-Radio, the debate will be streamed online live ChicagoTribune.com. The entire hour will be commercial free on all outlets.

There has not been a major Chicago mayoral debate since 1989, as Richard M. Daley has declined to participate in any since then. Daley announced in the fall of 2010 that he would not be seeking reelection in 2011.

[link to chicagoradioandmedia.com]