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Emanuel, Garcia Spar Over Obama Presidential Library Bid

(CBS) -- The second phase of Chicago's mayoral campaign is underway with the two sides battling it out over the proposed Obama Presidential Library.

Mayor Emanuel's campaign says Jesus "Chuy" Garcia has done a 180 on the Obama Presidential Library, first opposing it and then changing his mind.

Emanuel campaign spokesman Steve Mayberry says in part, "The fact that Chuy is ignoring the community – and jeopardizing the library after decades of their hard work to spur economic development and jobs – speaks volumes about his lack of leadership."

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Garcia says he always had a consistent position and fully supports the library but doesn't want it located on city park land.

He released a statement saying in part, "While it is my view that the library does not have to come at the expense of public park land that has enormous historical significance for everyone in Chicago, I will support the South or West side site. As mayor, I will do everything within my power to make certain that the Obama Presidential Library is built in Chicago, and that the jobs and contracts that go with it benefit the community, as well."

The two proposed sites in the University of Chicago's bid for the library call for using some city park land, in either Washington Park or Jackson Park.

In UIC's bid for the library, it would be located in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Columbia University in New York and the University of Hawaii in Honolulu are also competing for the library.

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