Davis warns Clinton to stay out of Chicago’s mayoral race

An Illinois congressman who is running for mayor against Rahm Emanuel in Chicago is warning former President Bill Clinton to stay out of the race or risk alienating the black community.

Rep. Danny Davis, a longtime Clinton ally, said in a statement issued Tuesday that he is "seriously concerned and disturbed" by reports that Clinton will endorse Emanuel in the mayoral race, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet.

"The African-American community has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Clintons," Davis's statement explained. "However, it appears as though some of that relationship maybe 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."

But it's not just Clinton that Davis is worried about. He tells Sweet that President Obama should also remain neutral. The White House has not said whether Obama will campaign for his former chief of staff.

The congressman's comments come amid word that Clinton plans to campaign with Emanuel, his former deputy chief of staff, in Chicago next month ahead of the Feb. 22nd election.

A recent Chicago Tribune/WGN poll found Emanuel with more than a 20-point lead in the race over Davis and other rivals, including former Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun.

(Photo of Clinton by Heather Ainsworth/AP)