Emanuel eligibility hearing wraps up

CHICAGO, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A hearing on Rahm Emanuel's eligibility to run for mayor of Chicago ended but it will be next week before he will know if he can stay on the ballot.

Opponents argued the former White House chief of staff, who returned to Chicago after Mayor Richard Daley suddenly announced he would not seek re-election, is in violation of the mandate that candidates reside in the city for a year before the Feb. 22 vote.

Emanuel lawyer Kevin Forde told hearing officer Joseph Morris Emanuel never sold his Chicago house or took steps to establish a permanent residence in Washington, the Chicago Tribune reported. Even so, he should get an exemption for federal service, Forde argued.

But the chief attorney for the opponents, Burt Odelson, said Emanuel has been absent for most of the last two years, and the exemption for government service is reserved for the military.

Testimony ended Thursday as a real estate manager who helped Emanuel buy his home said the renters wanted $100,000 to end their lease early when Emanuel returned.

Morris gave the two sides until Monday to file written briefs. He hopes to make a recommendation by Thursday, when the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners could vote on the issue.