Social media roundup: runoff day oddities

(Noor Wazwaz/Medill)

By Sean Froelich

Voter turnout was dismal in the general election in February. And with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia forced into a runoff election, many in Chicago took rather creative approaches to get voters to the polls this time. Here are some examples, and some other oddities seen around the city this runoff election day.

 

 Uncle Sam is a Rahm supporter?

Is Uncle Sam, our nation’s mascot, breaking election law? A giant, inflatable Uncle Sam with a sign saying “Vote for Rahm!” was planted in front of a private home in West Lawn. Cool? Maybe not, because the home is also an election center, and would be in violation of city code if it is closer than 100 feet to the house entrance. The exact distance could not be immediately confirmed. Reports show the sign was eventually removed.

Artists ‘choo-choo-choose Chuy’ 

La Catrina Cafe in the Pilsen neighborhood served "Chuy" Garcia cookies. (Ryan Smith/Chicago Reader)
La Catrina Cafe in the Pilsen neighborhood served “Chuy” Garcia cookies. (Ryan Smith/Chicago Reader)

Have you ever thought, “I could just eat up “Chuy” Garcia”? Well now you can. “Chuy” cookies featuring his signature mustache were being served at La Catrina Café in the Pilsen Neighborhood. The cookies are just one example of the many “Chuy” Garcia artifacts on display around the city. One artist will also allow “Chuy” to ride in style, win or lose.

 

 

Rahm has lunch with notable company 

Mayor Emanuel has been out and about doing some last minute swooning with voters around the city. That kind of buzzing around builds up an appetite. Mayor Emanuel sat down at Manny’s in the South Loop. But he wasn’t alone. “Not-a-sore-loser” Ald. Bob Fioretti, who received seven percent of the mayoral vote in February, had some matzo and corned beef with the incumbent. Filling out the Chicago political elite dining club was Secretary of State Jesse White. His famous Jesse White tumblers were no where to be found.

 

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Photo at top: [Mayor Rahm Emanuel was found greeting voters and friends in some fun places today.] (Noor Wazwaz/Medill)