Leni, the opinion is still BS. I read it, now I want to screw my eyes out.
Legal reasoning at it’s worst.
A key issue that had a great impact on the court was the fact that every Chicago fireman, policeman and related public safety employee who now has to live within city limits would, simply put, be able to say that he/she doesn't have abide by the residency law because they have the INTENT to live there at some time in the future....which was Rahm's contention ("if Rahm can do it, so can I").
So in essence, this is considered a victory for the people of Chicago.
An interesting sideline is that the wife of the veteran, powerful Alderman Burke (D.) sits on the Illinois Supreme Court. Alderman Burke is supporting Gary Chico, a Latino mayoral candidate.
(If Rahm loses his case, there goes my pun that it would boil down to Chico and the Rahm, yuk, yuk).
I don't know the complete makeup of the Supreme Court yet, but I do know that three Republicans sit on it. Another factor may be that Burke's wife may have to recuse herself if her husband, the good alderman, contributed to Chico's campaign.
Rahm's attorneys will file a plea tomorrow to put a hold on the Appellate Court's decision....to essentially stop the clock for a few hours. Then, the appeal to the highest court will be put together and filed as quickly as possible if this plea is successful.
Things will have to move fast for Emanuel, as the ballots will be printed Monday....and as of now, Rahm's name won't be on it. Also as of now, write-ins for him won't be counted as legal votes.
The Supreme Court could change everything in a flash if they rule between now and Sunday night.
The high court judges could also refuse to take the case stating the Appellates made the right ruling and there's no need for them to hear it.
BTW, the Illinois Supreme Court has a history of not overturning the Appelate Court.
I love all this stuff, LOL.
Leni