* One of the reasons that labor unions backed off their initial intense opposition to Rahm Emanuel a couple months ago was that they were told Bubba and otheres were coming to town to campaign for the guy. Danny Davis isn’t pleased with the development…

When Congressman Danny Davis first heard that longtime friend former President Bill Clinton was coming to campaign for a rival in the Chicago mayor’s race, he was unfazed.

But the more the Democrat thought about it, the more worried he got, and he decided to issue this message to the former head of state: Butt out of Chicago politics — or else.

Davis’ press release plays the race card hard…

“While we recognize the right of any individual to endorse and support any candidate that they so choose, I am seriously concerned and disturbed by press reports that former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to come to Chicago to campaign for Rahm Emanuel, who is a candidate for Mayor.

“The African American community has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Clintons, however it appears as though some of that relationship maybe fractured and perhaps even broken should former President Clinton come to town and participate overtly in efforts to thwart the legitimate political aspirations of Chicago’s Black community.

“We respectfully request and urge former President Clinton not to become involved in the Chicago Mayoral Election.

* Whatever happens, expect an appeal…

Attorneys for Rahm Emanuel and those fighting his mayoral bid appeared briefly before a Cook County Circuit Court judge Tuesday, the start of what is expected to be a series of legal challenges to the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners’ recent ruling allowing Emanuel on the Feb. 22 ballot.

Judge Mark Ballard set a hearing for next Tuesday, when both sides are expected to make their formal arguments — which are like going to sound very familiar. Ballard also gave Emanuel’s attorneys until Friday to respond to legal documents filed by those challenging his candidacy.

Burt Odelson, the main attorney for those objecting to Emanuel’s presence on the ballot, said he expects the judge to make a ruling on the case next Tuesday.

* Related…

* Candidate slams ‘overnight deals’ - Davis criticizes the role of political clout in Chicago.