Chicago's Mayoral Election: Endorsements, Education, Early Voting, and Financial Woes.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has endorsed Paul Vallas in the upcoming Chicago mayoral runoff election, calling it an "extraordinary" moment in the city's history. Durbin praised Vallas' experience as Chicago's budget director and CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and credited him with closing a projected $1.3 billion deficit, balancing six consecutive budgets, and improving test scores. Vallas' endorsements from prominent Democrats, including Durbin and former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, will help dispel the myth that he is not a lifelong Democrat, Vallas said.