Oberman Withdraws From Race for Emanuel’s Seat

Democrat Justin Oberman, the son of Chicago Alderman Marty Oberman, withdrew on Friday from the race for the House seat vacated by White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.

Oberman, a former Transportation Security Administration official, said that the field of 26 candidates will make it difficult for him to win.

“When we started, the field was wide open and the prospects for a successful campaign were promising,” Oberman said in a statement on Friday. “But in the past week, that landscape has changed substantially. It is now clear that most regular Democratic ward organizations across the district will be united behind one of my opponents; when viewed in the context of the short time until Election Day and the exceptionally low turnout expected in this special election, we have determined there isn’t enough time to earn the votes we need to win.”

Oberman had been considered a top Democratic contender for the seat along with Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz. Candidates face a Feb. 24 primary and an April 7 general election.

Quigley, after Oberman pulled out of the race, praised his former opponent as part of a “new generation of leaders inspired by President Obama’s call to service.”

“I have had the opportunity to speak with Justin and on those occasions I have been impressed by his commitment to public service,” Quigley added. “I am also pleased that we share many of the same views about the need for progressive government and the importance of bringing fundamental change to Washington.”

Read Oberman’s full letter announcing his withdrawal from the race after the jump.

Dear Friend,

In early December, with your invaluable encouragement, we put together the beginnings of a campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 5th District. We built a great team and with the support of you and hundreds of others across the district, the state, and the country, we raised more than $160,000 in six weeks and obtained more than 3,000 voter signatures in a six-day petition drive.

The confidence you have shown in me reinforces my eagerness to serve the people of Illinois, but I have determined that the best use of your resources is not for this special election, and I have decided to withdraw from the race. With sincere gratitude for your willingness to support our efforts, I will be returning all unused funds to you and all of our other contributors.

When we started, the field was wide open and the prospects for a successful campaign were promising. But in the past week, that landscape has changed substantially. It is now clear that most regular Democratic ward organizations across the district will be united behind one of my opponents; when viewed in the context of the short time until Election Day and the exceptionally low turnout expected in this special election, we have determined there isn’t enough time to earn the votes we need to win.

At the same time, we all know how much work is needed in Chicago, Springfield, and Washington by public officials who lead by example, who understand how to jumpstart the economy so it works for the middle class, and who can restore America’s standing in the world. This is work I look forward to carrying out on your behalf.

Thank you again for your generosity and I will be in touch in the coming weeks regarding our plans.

Regards,
Justin