Mexican Independence Day parade draws plenty of politicians

Gov. Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not grimace after downing shots of tequila that were handed to them Sunday afternoon by the hosts of the Mexican Independence Day parade in Little Village.

The quick consumption was followed by a quip that both men should be careful while operating scissors at the parade’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, who stood on the stage nearby sporting a decorative Western-style belt, was not offered a shot.

He was, however, offered the microphone, and used the time to say he’d like to “restore the American dream for every family in Illinois.”

Rauner and Quinn both chewed gum on stage. Rauner sang along with the National Anthem. Quinn did not.

Mayor Emanuel told the crowd that the number of Mexicans living in Chicago would constitute the fifth-largest city in Mexico, and that Chicago has the fastest growing Mexican population in America.

“Viva la Mexico!” echoed through the crowd as beauty queens, marching bands, floats, men on horses and handshaking politicians — including mayoral candidate Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle — made their way down the parade route along 26th Street.

And earlier in the day, potential mayoral challenger Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, had spoken at a breakfast gathering at a neighborhood restaurant.