Rahm Emanuel could announce his candidacy for Chicago Mayor as soon as Friday of this week, but he may have to do it from a hotel room.
The tenant occupying Emanuel's home at 4228 N. Hermitage has refused to move out when the White House Chief of Staff returns, presumably, in October, the Sun-Times' Michael Sneed reports.
Just days before Mayor Daley announced his plans to not seek a seventh term, Robert Halpin, 59, and his wife Lori re-signed a lease on the home that will last them through June 2011. Halpin allegedly denied a request by Rahm to live in the basement until the lease ends.
The issue presents a residency problem for Emanuel. Election rules stipulate that a candidate prove residency for at least one year before the election.
Chicago Board of Elections Chairman Langdon Neale said Tuesday that Emanuel is likely to survive any residency challenge, comparing the question to that of a soldier.
"You don't have to live there. It's about intent," he said.
Emanuel voted by absentee ballot in February.
