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Emanuel Launches Bid for Chicago Mayor

Rahm Emanuel formally launched his campaign for Chicago mayor Sunday, two days after stepping down as President Barack Obama’s chief of staff.

In addition to rolling out a new Facebook page, Emanuel announced on a newly launched campaign website that he plans to kick off a “Tell It Like It Is” neighborhood tour Monday. The tour will give Chicago residents a chance to say “in blunt and honest terms” what they want from their next mayor, the website states.

Emanuel’s website bears a striking resemblance to Obama’s “Organizing for America” website and his former presidential campaign website — a design choice that points to Emanuel’s expected plan to lean on his ties to the president to further his campaign. Obama all but endorsed Emanuel during his send-off Friday, calling him “a great friend of mine” and “a selfless public servant.”

Emanuel, a former House Member, is entering an already crowded field of contenders vying for the seat being vacated by Democratic Mayor Richard Daley, who announced last month that he would not seek re-election after holding the post for 21 years. Lawmakers who have not ruled out a run include Democratic Reps. Luis Gutierrez, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Danny Davis.

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