Mayoral Contenders Talk Burke, 'Aldermanic Prerogative,' Other Topics

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A group of Chicago mayoral candidates took turns Tuesday trying to distance themselves from Alderman Edward Burke because of the federal corruption charges against him.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle told the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board that she took the strongest position against Burke, a former supporter, after he was accused of extortion.

She noted she also stripped him of his party judicial selection post; Preckwinkle is Cook County Democratic Chair.

Burke has publicly said he thinks former Chicago Board of Education president Gery Chico is the best candidate. Chico insists that’s not an endorsement. He doesn't deny his long friendship with Burke but said he doesn’t condone the things Burke is accused of doing. 

Self-made millionaire Willie Wilson chided Preckwinkle for hiring one of Burke’s sons as a Homeland Security official.

The five candidates who met with the Tribune Editorial Board had varying opinions on so-called Aldermanic Prerogative.

State Rep. LaShawn Ford and Chico said aldermen should not have absolute veto power over projects in their wards.

Another problem, said former U.S. Commerce secretary Bill Daley, is money. He said he wouldn’t raise campaign funds while in office.