A state appeals court ruled today Rahm Emanuel, President Barack Obama's former chief of staff, cannot run for mayor of Chicago in February because he was not a resident of the city for a full year before the election.
The ruling overturned decisions by a lower court and a Chicago elections board that had allowed Mr Emanuel on the February 22nd ballot. A Chicago Tribune poll published last week showed Mr Emanuel leading the race by a comfortable margin.
Illinois state law requires candidates for municipal offices be residents of the city for a year prior to elections.
Mr Emanuel, who resigned as White House chief of staff last year to run for mayor, was challenged on the issue by several Chicago residents.
The appellate court, in its ruling, said that although Emanuel owned a house in the city, he did not live there.
Reuters