CHICAGO – An explosive revelation is shaking up an already. Competitive mayoral race here after incumbent Laurie Lightfoot’s. Campaign sent an email to Chicago public school teachers – in a system she oversees. – Asking them to recruit students to volunteer in her campaign for school credit.
Now, with the inspector general of Chicago Public Schools. Investigating the matter, critics are calling for a broader. Investigation and his opponents are piling on.
It all threatens to complicate Lightfoot’s already difficult. Path to re-election in February, where he has fallen behind in the polls.
The Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General confirmed to todaystrend News. On Thursday that it has “opened an investigation into this matter. And we are currently gathering information to determine what policies were violated.”
The investigation comes after a deputy campaign. Manager sent an email to public school teachers. — via official email — asking them to recruit students to volunteer for Lightfoot’s. Campaign in “external programs,” where students could earn class credit. Chicago PBS station, WTTW News, first reported the emails.
“We are only looking for energetic, curious and hard-working. Young people who are interested in helping Mayor Lightfoot win. This spring,” the aide said in an email obtained by WTTW News.
The email comes as the nine-way mayoral race rages on. And Lightfoot faces formidable opponents. Including Chicago Republican Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and former Chicago schools superintendent Paul Vallas.
“It may suggest that feelings of frustration are sitting.” Vallas said of the school’s recruiting efforts.
Vallas called for a thorough investigation into the extent of the campaign’s. Involvement, including whether anyone shared official email lists with political entities.
“I can’t believe CPS did this without some clear message from City Hall,” he said.
Another mayoral candidate, Chicago Alderman Sophia King. Said the email was something that “gives Chicago a bad name.”
“this is serious, and if he had anything to do with it, he should resign,” King said of Lightfoot.
As mayor, Lightfoot supervised Chicago schools. Appointing recruit superintendents and members of the board of education.
After news of the emails broke Wednesday. The Lightfoot campaign issued a series of statements reminding. campaign workers of the “solid wall. That should exist between campaigning and official activities. And that contact with any City of Chicago or other auxiliary agency staff. CPS employees Including, even through available sources is off limits.
Asked about the inspector general’s investigation Thursday. His campaign released a statement saying. “If there is an ethics investigation board, we will address it at that time. We are committed to running an ethical. Transparent campaign and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.”
