Mayor Surprises Aldermen With $20K Campaign Checks

CHICAGO — Aldermen who are known for backing Mayor Rahm Emanuel in City Council votes received surprise campaign checks during a breakfast across from City Hall Wednesday, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune. More than two dozen aldermen were given $20,000 checks to help them get re-elected.

The names of the aldermen who received the checks were not immediately available; however, when the aldermen deposit the checks into their campaign funds, they will have two days to disclose the contributions to election officials.

Ald. Joseph Moore (49th) told the Tribune he needs the campaign money for a difficult re-election battle.

Another alderman, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was taken aback by the check and may use it to fund community projects, according to the report.

In total, the mayor handed out around half a million dollars to aldermen who've had his back in the past. Emanuel has millions of dollars in his campaign fund, which he said he would return to donors after he announced last month he wouldn't seek re-election.

Read the full Chicago Tribune report here.

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