Mayor Rahm Emanuel walks away from a question about why someone on his campaign staff is e-mailing reporters negative stories about Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as speculation grows over whether she’ll seek Rahm’s job. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern reports.
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle isn't going out of her way to praise her fellow Democrat, Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Preckwinkle was asked whether she and Emanuel get along on WTTW's "My Chicago." After a long pause, she responded, "We work together."
At a Wednesday news conference, Emanuel refused to answer questions about a member of his campaign team -- political advisor John Kupper -- emailed Chicago Tribune reporters suggesting negative stories about Preckwinkle.
Emanuel did answer a question about whether he thought Preckwinkle would run against him.
"I trust her when she said multiple times she's not running. I think she's a person of her word," Emanuel said.
Earlier this month, Preckwinkle dodged direct questions about whether or not she planned to run for mayor.
It's already been a difficult political week for the mayor, with a recent poll showing waning support for his re-election bid, particular in the black and Hispanic communities.
UPDATE: The Tribune reported late Wednesday that Kupper apologized to both Emanuel and Preckwinkle, and said the negative email was sent "of my own volition and without consulting anyone."
