Emanuel Should Be on Chicago Mayoral Ballot, Hearing Officer Rules

Rahm Emanuel is a Chicago resident and should be allowed to run for Chicago mayor, hearing officer Joseph Morris ruled today, after challengers said his move to Washington to work as President Obama’s White House chief of staff disqualified him from the Feb. 22 mayoral primary ballot.

Now, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners meets today to consider the Emanuel case.

Morris wrote in his opinion, “The preponderance of the evidence established that the sole reason for the Candidate’s absence from Chicago during 2009 and 2010 was by reason of attendance to business of the United States.” Morris recommendation is non-binding on the election board.

UPDATE: Chicago Election Board votes 3-0 in favor of Emanuel.