Liberal Infighting: Elizabeth Warren-Supporting Group Attacks Rahm Emanuel

One of the left-wing groups pushing for an Elizabeth Warren presidency is no fan of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Democracy for America (DFA) announced this week that it will be supporting seven progressive Chicago Aldermen that the group says Emanuel, President Obama’s former White House chief of staff, has attacked.

The DFA’s effort highlights the ever-more apparent rift in the Democratic Party between the progressive so-called Warren-wing of the party and more establishment Democrats.

“We’re dedicating national resources and organizing power to defend these seven Aldermen to ensure that ‘Mayor Rahm’ and his corporate cronies don’t kneecap Chicago’s progressive champions and stifle the voice of the grassroots in a city that has a long and proud tradition of pushing for progressive reform,” DFA Chair Jim Dean explained in a statement.

The DFA says that Emanuel and his super PAC are trying to defeat the “Chicago Seven”: John Arena (45th Ward),Toni Foulkes (16th Ward), Leslie Hairston (5th Ward) Rick Munoz (22nd Ward), Roderick Sawyer (6th Ward), Nick Sposato (38th Ward), Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward).

“Each endorsed Alderman is a member of the Chicago City Council’s Progressive Caucus who has been explicitly targeted by ‘Mayor  Rahm’s’ billionaire-backed Super PAC for their willingness to confront his corporate agenda of neighborhood school closures, mental health clinic shut downs, pension cuts, and corporate subsidies,” the DFA explained in its endorsement announcement.

The DFA added that it intends to spend $50,000 on the election to help with the candidates’ ground game in Chicago. The election is scheduled for February 24.

“Each successfully re-elected progressive Alderman will send a strong message to Rahm Emanuel and leaders across America that progressives reject the agenda of privatization, public school closings, and stagnant wages for working families,” Dean added.

“We will demonstrate that progressives are ready to fight for an  economy that works for everyone — and that we will defend those elected officials who stand with us.”

The DFA’s push against the Emanuel agenda comes as reports indicate that Emanuel’s own reelection might not have enough juice to avoid a runoff. Monday the Emanuel campaign released a new radio ad featuring President Obama.