Durbin endorses Vallas, Jackson campaigns for Johnson as mayoral race heats up

Reach voters all across the city as the polls tighten. Judy Wings in the newsroom with more, Judy. Good morning. One recent poll conducted by Victory Research suggests Paul Valles and Brandon Johnson are neck and neck. Valles had a six-point lead at the start of the month. Johnson is closing the gap and is within two points of Valles. In these final days, we are seeing more political big guns getting off the sidelines.

We need a mayor who has a record of experience tackling the challenge of building the Chicago economy and creating a positive environment for business growth and good jobs. If Chicago is to thrive, Chicago has to grow. And Chicago will not grow unless the poor communities and the long-neglected communities are invested in. Paul Valles got a big boost from the second highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate. Dick Durbin's backing could help the ex-CPS chief with liberal voters encounter his opponents' claims that Valles is not a lifelong Democrat.

Durbin, with former Secretary of State Jesse White at his side in Greaktown Sunday, said the city needs Valles' leadership and innovative thinking at this moment in history. He called Valles someone who could be a bridge to uniting all citizens of the city. Brandon Johnson campaigned in South Shore with Congressman Jonathan Jackson. Jackson, one of the first to support Johnson, told supporters the former teacher is best equipped to strengthen public schools and to fight crime. Paul's indicate crime is a top concern for voters. Jackson sought to dispel Johnson's anti-police and intends to defund the city's police department. I want to see transparency.

I want to see an investment back in our children. Brandon stands for public safety. How do we achieve public safety is the question. There are very powerful forces that are trying to disrupt our movement. About a mess. The same people who cause the mess want to be in charge of it again. You can't do that.

Valles will receive the support of several union leaders at an event later this morning. Johnson will address the city club of Chicago. He's getting a big boost from former presidential candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who will stump for him during a rally Thursday. In the newsroom, Judy Wang, WGN News.

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