Attitudes Toward Emanuel Could Play Role In 7th Ward Aldermanic Runoff

CHICAGO (CBS) -- In all, voters in 19 wards will go to the polls in April. CBS 2's Jim Williams reports in the 7th Ward on the South Side, the race will likely be affected by attitudes toward Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Shortly before Mayor Emanuel appointed Natashia Holmes alderman of the 7th ward, he predicted how she would be labeled.

"He's like 'If you get appointed for this job, they're going to say you're the mayor's girl.' I told him it doesn't matter cause we don't know each other like that," Holmes said.

In fact, Holmes said she had no political sponsor and that she applied for the job online like everyone else hoping to succeed Sandi Jackson, who's on her way to prison.

Still, in the 7th Ward, any connection to Emanuel today brings risk. The mayor won 59 percent there four years ago. Tuesday, his support dropped to 45 percent.

Tamara Ransaw lives in the ward.

"I think better things can be done for our city," Ransaw said. "Programs should not be cut."

Holmes is now in a runoff against financial consultant Greg Mitchell, who says people remember the alderman was appointed by the mayor.

Mitchell says he thinks that hurt her, but he won't make the race a referendum on Emanuel, instead vowing only emphasize his business background.

"That's my first strategy, so they can believe in me," Mitchell said.

Holmes, a lawyer, says she won't be running away from the mayor.

"My job as alderman is to make sure that they continue to receive high quality city services," Holmes said.

Alderman Holmes got 25 percent of the vote and Mitchell had 20 percent, so they'll now work to lure the voters who supported eight other candidates Tuesday.