Chicago poll gives Emanuel huge lead

CHICAGO, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A poll of the Chicago mayoral race indicates Rahm Emanuel far ahead and poised to win without a runoff.

In a survey taken Thursday through Monday for WLS-TV, Chicago, Emanuel took 54 percent and led among all ethnic groups. Gery Chico was second at 14 percent, Miguel del Valle third at 8 and Carol Moseley Braun fourth at 6. Other candidates took 3 percent combined, and 15 percent were undecided.

The Richard Day Research telephone poll of 600 voters had a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

The former congressman and White House staff chief had the support 57 percent of whites, 53 percent of blacks and 47 percent of Hispanics.

The election is Feb. 22, and there will be no runoff if a candidate wins more than 50 percent.