The Hill News

Rep. Danny Davis, a candidate for mayor of Chicago, issued a strongly worded statement Tuesday against former President Bill Clinton's planned appearance on behalf of Rahm Emanuel, the front-runner in the race.

Davis (D-Ill.) said that Clinton's endorsement of Emanuel, President Obama's former chief of staff, could permanently damage Clinton's standing in the black community.

{mosads}The congressman said that Clinton has the "right" to appear but that he is "seriously concerned and disturbed" by reports that the 42nd president will campaign for Emanuel in the Windy City in January.

"The African-American community has enjoyed a long and fruitful relation! ship with the Clintons; however, it appears as though some of that relationship may be fractured and perhaps even broken should former President Clinton come to town and participate overtly in efforts to thwart the legitimate political aspirations of Chicago’s black community," he said.

The Chicago congressman has lobbed several salvos at Emanuel, who served as deputy chief of staff to Clinton, since entering the race.

Davis contended that Emanuel did not qualify for the ballot due to residency requirements. But Emanuel's eligibility was upheld last week by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. 

Davis was endorsed by a group of influential black leaders before! announcing his candidacy last month.

Several polls have shown Emanuel holding wide leads over Davis and other candidates, including former Chicago Public Schools chief Gery Chico, former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.) and Miguel de Valle. 

The primary is set to be held on Feb. 22, 2011, and a runoff election could be held if one candidate does not receive 50 percent of the vote.