Free Republic

A hearing officer (Barbara Goodman) has recommended Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Clerk of the Circuit Court hopeful Michael Cabonargi appear on the March primary ballot despite challenges to their nominating petitions. Goodman also recommended Cabonargi appear on the March ballot. Cabonargi, who serves on the county’s Board of Review, is running for clerk of the circuit court. Foxx had 3,362 signatures more than the required minimum (7,279) to appear on the ballot after a petition challenge filed by former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti’s campaign. Fioretti’s team alleged Foxx’s petition sheets showed a pattern of fraud.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday defended the way he has dealt with the city's looming financial crisis against attacks from his challengers, touting his record of crafting the city's budget during his first term but refusing to rule out a property tax increase to deal with huge upcoming government worker pension payments. The back-and-forth took place at the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board endorsement session, the second time all five mayoral candidates appeared face to face. City Hall has a looming $550 million payment to make to shore up police and fire department pensions, and 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti called...