Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is hitting the campaign trail for his friend and former boss, President Barack Obama.
In a meeting with reporters Thursday, Emanuel said he will do "whatever it takes" to help Obama defeat Republican Mitt Romney. That will include campaign stops in Florida, Ohio and other parts of the Midwest, Emanuel Spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton said.
Emanuel served as Obama's chief of staff before he ran for mayor. He was a national co-chairman of the president's re-election campaign until early September when he stepped down from that role to help raise money for Priorities USA Action, a pro-Obama super PAC.
Super PACs may raise unlimited money for a candidate but are not allowed to coordinate with the campaign.
At an event at Bloomberg offices, the mayor said individual organizations have asked him to campaign in other states. His staff couldn't immediately confirm the dates of the events or which organizations had invited him.
"I never believe in woulda, coulda, shoulda," Emanuel said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to help the president get elected."
Emanuel also said he believes the president performs best in tight contests with time running out, adding "this is his kind of environment."
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Matt Bogusz, 26, is Des Plaines' mayor-elect, the youngest mayor in the northwest suburbs and one of the youngest city leaders' in recent Illinois history. He spoke on his plans for his town, and about the big victory.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
Kelly's election is a big win for New York's billionaire Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He and others worried that the Democratic primary in February might have been won by a candidate with an "A" rating from the NRA.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
FOX Chicago snagged the first post election interview with Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod. He was critical to Tuesday night's victory - and he gets to keep his mustache.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
President Barack Obama's Kenyan half-brother told FOX Chicago News exclusively that he's so proud, and hopes to keep with the family spirit in his own political pursuits.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
Just like in 2008, many people are racing to get political souvenirs from this year's election with Obama's re-election. One Chicago store on Michigan Ave expects to see and increase in sales.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
It was a rough night for the Republican Party, not only in the presidential race, but also in three matchups in the Illinois suburbs. Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Good Day to explain.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533
