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Mayor Emanuel Courts Black Vote At South Side Rally

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel was courting votes in the Black community Saturday, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.

The rally was held the Harold Washington Cultural Center at 47th and King Drive, where Black politicians urged support for Mayor Emanuel, including Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

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"I also would like you to become a tenner: You call ten of your friends and have ten of your friends call ten of their friends…victory will be on our side," White said.

Alderman Pat Dowell said, "We don't need a novice" in the mayor's office and the king of House music Farley "Jackmaster" Funk had them chanting "I'm with Rahm."

Chicagoan Jaslene Gonzalez of America's Top Model also chimed in, saying "I'm with Rahm."

The mayor was a bit hoarse taking a jab at his opponent.

"If you don't have leadership, if you think you can subcontract it, if you think somebody else can do it for you, there is a reason in front of every executive's desk that says, 'the buck stops here,'" Emanuel said.

Emanuel drew thunderous applause when he said Chicago has the number one little league team, Jackie Robinson West, which was stripped of the national title.

Emanuel's opponent in the April 7 runoff Chuy Garcia campaigned at Jeffrey Plaza, located at 71st and Jeffery, in the South Shore neighborhood.

"South Shore is a community that has so much promise," Garcia said. "It's close to new land that can be prime land for industry and manufacturing, new sources of jobs and commerce that can improve wages for people in this community."

Garcia criticized Emanuel for his "irresponsible" financial policies.

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