LOGAN SQUARE — Efforts to bounce Proco Joe Moreno from the 1st Ward ballot continue — but he just picked up an endorsement from one of his former colleagues: outgoing Ald. Tom Tunney.
“I am honored to announce that Alderman Tom Tunney has endorsed our campaign to bring our ward back, and move it forward,” Moreno said on Facebook Tuesday.
“Alderman Tunney, who also serves as the Vice Mayor, was the first openly gay Alderman in 2003. Over his 20 years of service, he has been a champion for Equality and a staunch supporter of our small businesses. I am humbled and grateful for his endorsement and support!”
Moreno is again vying to become leader of the 1st Ward. He was 1st Ward alderman for about a decade, but he lost his seat to Ald. Daniel La Spata in 2019 amid legal troubles. La Spata declined to comment on the endorsement.
Tunney’s endorsement comes as Moreno fends off an effort to remove him from the ballot. Residents Dodie Anderson-Barden and Erika Gutierrez filed an objection last month, looking to block Moreno’s return to City Council.
Election officials aren’t expected to reach a decision in Moreno’s case until next week, said Max Bever, according to Chicago Board of Election Commissioners spokesman.
Attorney Sam Royko’s candidacy is also being challenged in hearings. Jay Ramirez, who successfully booted an opponent of Moreno’s from the ballot in 2014, filed an objection against Royko.
Tunney announced earlier this year he will not seek reelection after 20 years of serving Lakeview.
Moreno declined to comment on Tunney’s endorsement beyond what was in the Facebook statement.
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