A decision against Rahm

By C.H. | CHICAGO

IN CHICAGO any political event is likely to veer into the absurd. The defence of Rod Blagojevich resembled a multimedia circus more than a serious trial. After Richard Daley announced he would not seek re-election for mayor, Cynthia Plaster Caster declared that she would run for the post (her prior experience included making sculptures of rock stars' genitalia). In contrast to such characters is Rahm Emanuel, the frontrunner in the mayoral race. He is fiercely serious about his campaign. He stands diligently at train stops, shaking hands. He visits local factories, nodding reverently at machines. He seems to unveil a new policy initiative every other day. But this is Chicago, and not even the Rahmfather is immune from the ridiculous. Opponents are challenging his eligibility for mayor. Chicago requires its candidates to have lived in the city for at least one year before the election; Mr Emanuel was in Washington serving as Barack Obama's chief of staff. In December the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ruled that Mr Emanuel was eligible. Mr Emanuel's campaign has continued apace (Bill Clinton was in town on his behalf just last week). But today an appeals court decided, 2-1, that Mr Emanuel does not meet Chicago's requirements. His campaign will surely appeal the ruling to the Illinois Supreme Court. But he had better move quickly. The primary is February 22nd. Early voting starts on January 31st.

(Photo credit: AFP)