Danny Davis calls on Bill Clinton to stay out of Chicago mayoral race

Rahm Emanuel's campaign bragged on Sunday that Bill Clinton is coming to Chicago next month to stump for his former aide, who is running for mayor.

But US Rep. Danny Davis (D-7th) is calling for Clinton, who remains popular in Chicago, to stay out of the race.

In a statement, Davis had this to say:

The African-American community has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Clintons, however it appears as though some of that relationship maybe fractured and perhaps even broken should former President Clinton come to town and participate overtly in efforts to thwart the legitimate political aspirations of Chicago's black community. We respectfully request and urge former President Clinton not to become involved in the Chicago mayoral election.

But Davis, an African-American who hopes to be the first West Side mayor since Anton Cermak--he was assassinated in 1933--told the Chicago Tribune that he isn't playing the race card.

Davis ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1991. To many, Davis' most memorable moment as a congressman was participating in a strange coronation ceremony for the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, the controversial leader of the Unification Church.

Related post:

Bill Clinton coming to Chicago to campaign for Rahm; Daley longest serving mayor

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