Citing a city in the midst of numerous shootings and a teacher’s strike, Republican officials in Chicago are asking Mayor Rahm Emanuel to cancel his Democratic National Convention speech. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Republican Party says Mayor Rahm Emanuel should cancel his Democratic National Convention speech and focus on city leadership.
The GOP says Chicago is facing critical issues, including a spike in shootings and a potential teachers’ strike.
In a Sunday statement the group says Chicago is in crisis.
Emanuel is scheduled to speak Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C.
The Chicago Teachers Union has said members will strike Sept. 10 unless a new contract is reached with Chicago Public Schools. Union officials say they’re still concerned about job security for teachers and other staff, wages and health benefits
Chicago has also seen a recent spike in shooting deaths.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, Emanuel said Chicago’s violence was contained and not a crisis.
Emanuel’s spokeswoman didn’t immediately have a comment.
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