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Reports: Karen Lewis has brain tumor

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Illinois

Karen Lewis, the controversial, combative and charismatic leader of the Chicago Teachers Union, will not run for mayor, significantly boosting Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s chances to win re-election next year.

The decision by Lewis comes after she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor last week, said a source familiar with her medical condition. Lewis underwent surgery and took a leave from her union duties.

* Sun-Times…

“I have always respected and admired Karen’s willingness to step up and be part of the conversation about our city’s future, but nothing is more important than a person’s health,” the mayor said. “Along with all Chicagoans, I will keep Karen and her family in our thoughts and prayers, and we look forward to seeing her on her feet very soon.”

Ald Bob Fioretti, who has already kicked off his candidacy, issued a statement, held a news conference and sent out a fund-raising appeal in the hours after Lewis’ announcement.

“Today my friend Karen made a decision not to run for mayor of Chicago,” he wrote in an email seeking donations Monday night. “I have the pleasure of calling her a friend, and I join many across this city in praying for her health today.”

The Chicago Teachers Union, which remains tight-lipped about Lewis’ medical condition, already handed Lewis’ duties as union president to Vice President Jesse Sharkey which he would retain “until she’s recovered.”

* Mark Brown…

Most elected officials in Chicago would rather try to work with Emanuel than against him, just as they did with Rich Daley.

Some of those who might stand a chance of beating Emanuel would blanch if they were so much as mentioned in that context.

Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd), the most prominent remaining declared candidate, is an exception, and I don’t want to be dismissive of his candidacy. I appreciate his willingness to serve as the loyal opposition to not just one, but now two Chicago mayors. That’s not easy. I agree with him on a lot of issues. He’s served the city well.

But he’s never really struck a lot of people as mayor material, which is why everyone is so fast to overlook him now. […]

Emanuel has managed to make a lot of Chicago voters angry with him.

But without a viable alternative, they don’t have anywhere to take that anger.

Agreed.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:16 pm

Comments

The election is over. Very sorry for Karen Lewis. Wouldn’t have supported her but this is a rough road.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:19 pm
Obviously, a very difficult diagnosis. Hopefully Karen Lewis will make a full recovery. This transcends politics.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:20 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen Lewis. There are many things politically or philosophically I may disagree with her, but I respect her immensely & wish her the best. Period.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:22 pm
I met Karen on the campaign trail and she was so open and kind to me I felt an instant connection, when I told her both my parents were CPS teachers she said ‘mine too!’ Get well partner!

Comment by William j Kelly Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:26 pm
Lewis now faces a challenge far more difficult than any run for office. I know her strength of character will help in her recovery, and wish Karen and her family the best.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:31 pm
Sad. could have been a very important conversation about the future of the city.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:38 pm
= Fioretti, who has already kicked off his candidacy, issued a statement, held a news conference and sent out a fund-raising appeal in the hours after Lewis’ announcement. =

Time it, much?

Comment by Dirty Red Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:45 pm
I am really sorry. And I was really looking forward to following her campaign.

Comment by Cassandra Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 12:51 pm
I’ve never really agreed with Ms. Lewis, but I am very sad to hear about this. I wish her a quick recovery!

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:08 pm
This is not only a horrible situation for her and her family, but also for Chicago. Her withdrawl from the race many very well alter history.

Karen Lewis presented the first real challenge to the Chicago Democratic Machine in a generation. A lack of opposition created a climate of corruption and fiscal intimidation. There was no money or will to challenge Daley. Emanuel picked up the Machine backing after he became Mayor. Karen Lewis is a different breed. She wasn’t afraid of Emanuel or the regular organization. She stood eye to eye, toe to toe, to the bully Emanuel. She stared him down, and beat him. She had the backing of regular everyday Chicagoans who were tired of the city hall shennigans. She had a real chance of ousting an increasingly unpopular Emanuel. It is unlikely that there will be a serious challenge to Emanuel now. Fioretti, not ready for prime time. Too bad.

Karen,, I wish you all the best. Get well.

Comment by AFSCME Steward Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:13 pm
the deepest and main concern is the health of Karen Lewis. a brain tumor diagnosis, combined with cancer, is extremely frightening in addition to being a medical challenge. sounds like she is at a major hospital…Northwestern Medicine….which puts her in good hands. let’s all pray/keep a good thought for her. she and her family and friends need it.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:29 pm
Feeling sad for her and hoping and praying for a strong recovery. Not a fan of hers in politics, but a huge fan right now in life. Praying very hard for her.

Fioretti, according to Brown, may not be Mayor Material. That makes a lot of sense. He’s not even Alderman material.

Comment by A guy... Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:43 pm
Really sad. Karen Lewis would have given Rahm, a guy who has been grasping at straws to understand this city, a run for his money.

Comment by Lunchbox Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:50 pm
Wishing her a complete recovery.

Comment by DuPage Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 1:52 pm
I have known President Lewis for a number of years and this is just devastating news. I didn’t think she should run for Mayor however, because she would have been faced with many of the same fiscal problems Emanuel has been faced with post Mayor Daley.

If Karen was elected she would have been required to turn against the labor movement that created her at least to some degree, because many of her proposals for revenue increases simply were not and are not realistic. The commuter tax for instance was tried in NY City and the State Assembly eventually killed it. TIF reform would be opposed by the construction trades and also would have been difficult to get enacted.

Karen Lewis is a wonderful and compassionate person, many are praying for her recovery.

Comment by Rod Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 2:08 pm
I do not always agree with Karen, but respect her tireless advocacy and tenacity. I wish her all the best, and hope that her treatment is successful and that she has the speediest recovery possible. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and her family.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 3:09 pm
I am very sad, for her and her people and for us as well.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 3:11 pm
So what exactly is alderman material? It seems like such an august body brimming with expertise and civic-mindedness. It’s wonderful to see such passionate orators who are willing to debate each issue thoroughly before rubber stamping the mayor.

Comment by Carhart Representative Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 3:18 pm
I sincerely hope she recovers and can be well again.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Tuesday, Oct 14, 14 @ 8:34 pm