Obama casts absentee ballot: “I’m sure everyone knows I’ll be voting for Rahm”

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama already cast a ballot for Mayor Rahm Emanuel and urged Chicagoans to vote in the April 7 mayoral election. ”I’m sure everyone knows I’ll be voting for Rahm,” Obama said.

A picture of Obama sitting at a desk filling out his Chicago ballot on Friday was released Monday through the Democratic National Committee.

“I’d like to encourage everyone in Chicago to vote in the April 7 city run-off election. Whether you vote by mail, take advantage of early voting, or go to the polls on election day, I hope you will make your voice heard. This is an election about big things: jobs, schools and safety.

“In the race for mayor, I’m sure everyone knows I’ll be voting for Rahm. But I have something more important to say. Regardless of which candidate you are supporting, please join me in casting a ballot in this important election. Be a part of shaping the future of the city we love.”

First Lady Michelle Obama also voted by mail.

Obama came to Chicago to campaign for Emanuel, his former chief of staff, in advance of the first round mayoral election last February.

TOBACCO FREE KIDS ACTION FUND ENDORSES RAHM

Meanwhile, Emanuel picked up on Monday the endorsement of the Washington D.C. based Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund.

In a statement the group said, “Mayor Emanuel has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting Chicago’s kids and winning the fight against tobacco use, the nation’s number one cause of preventable death. His innovative efforts have helped make Chicago a healthier city and a national leader and role model in the fight against tobacco.

“Under Mayor Emanuel, Chicago has aggressively implemented proven strategies to reduce tobacco use, including increasing the city’s cigarette tax; strengthening the comprehensive smoke-free air law to include electronic cigarettes; banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol-flavored cigarettes, near schools; and conducting strong public education campaigns.

“Mayor Emanuel has made it a priority to reduce the harm caused by menthol cigarettes, which studies show have been disproportionately marketed to youth and African-Americans. Under his leadership, Chicago adopted the nation’s first restriction on the sale of menthol cigarettes and became the first major city to run a large-scale ad campaign aimed at curbing the use of menthol cigarettes.”

“Mayor Emanuel has proven to be the real trailblazer Chicago needs to protect our children from tobacco addiction and win the fight against this deadly epidemic,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund.