Kevin Boyer, public relations/marketing director: "I like Mayor Daley. A lot. I think that he's been great for this city and despite some bumps in the relationship with the LGBT community early in his first term, he's been great for our us as well. I looked for a candidate that had many of those same attributes, and yet could bring a fresh set of eyes to our many challenges."
"I think Rahm Emanuel has the personality, gravitas, skills and connections to move our city forward. I'm impressed with some of his honest ideas, and that he's not pandered to get votes. He's got all of the right positions on issues important to the LGBT community and a team in place that includes many of our own. The next mayor will have a lot of difficult choices on his or her plate and I think Rahm Emanuel is the best person to lead our city forward.
Tommy "Aruba" Bennett, radio personality/activist: "I am supporting Carol Moseley Braun for mayor because of her longstanding support for those left out of the political process that is dominated by inside power brokers. Carol made history in the early '90s when she, in pioneering fashion, became the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. I have not forgotten the jubilation my friends and I felt back then as we watched Carol assume a position in history. February, for many decades, has been set aside as a time to reflect upon the history made by African Americans in this country and this February we hope to have another event to celebratethe election of the first African American woman as mayor of Chicago.
"Moreover, as a gay man I cannot forget how Carol has stood with the gay community long before such a stance was popular. She has made reaching out to the LGBT community a centerpeice of her campaign, career as a public servant and life as a private citizen. She was the first senator to appoint an LGBT congressional liaison and was among only a handful of senators to oppose the military's failed "don't ask, don't tell" policy and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. As Carol has stood with us, I am standing with Carol: Carol Moseley Braun for mayor.
T.J. Williams, student/minister: "I would like Rahm Emanuel to be mayor because President Obama chose him for chief of staff and I trust our president's decisions although I was a bit upset when he took Rahm away from our district. I knew in my heart that there was no one else who I would trust to advise one of the greatest administrations ever.
"Other reasons are his concern for education for our children, better streets and police accountability/support. He has an honest sincerity in terms of these issues and I believe he understands the need for balance in terms of the Chicago Police Department. And in terms of LGBT equality he has always been consistent in terms of his belief that all deserve equal rights and justice."