As unrest simmers in Chicago over the gradual privatization of city services, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis stated on Thursday evening that she is “seriously considering” a run for the mayor’s office in 2015. As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, this wouldn't be Lewis' first time facing Emanuel head-on:
Lewis has been Emanuel’s chief adversary throughout his administration. And she has not only stared him down, she has defeated him. He raised the strike threshold, and she and her members blew past it. She took her members out on strike for first time in 25 years—and got the better of the deal that ended the walkout.
Lewis had previously stated that she would support Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle for mayor, but Preckwinkle reportedly intends to run for re-election to her current position. Meanwhile, the mass public cutbacks becoming typical of Emanuel's leadership have continued: Earlier on Thursday, Chicago Public Schools announced layoffs of more than 1,000 teachers and staff.
William A. Hudson is a summer 2014 In These Times intern.
