Rahm Emanuel Announces That He Will Not Seek Re-election As Chicago Mayor

Eight years is apparently enough for the oft-criticized Chicago Mayor. 

Emanuel made his surprise announcement Tuesday morning. "I've decided not to seek re-election," Emanuel said. "This has been the job of a lifetime, but it is not a job for a lifetime."

ChicagoTribune - Emanuel’s decision marks a dramatic political reversal, as for the better part of the last year he had said he would run for a third term. The mayor, long a prolific fundraiser, had already reeled in more than $10 million toward a bid for a third term.

Some are speculating that Emanuel could read the writing on the wall. His popularity is lower than it's ever been and there are currently 12 candidates that have shown serious interest in running for the office.

This also takes some of the importance out of Pat Quinn's pet project of getting Mayoral term limits on this upcoming November ballot.

The only question now is if Chicago can elect a Mayor that's even less popular than Rahm. Common sense would say no but I would never sell the city of Chicago short.