Rahm Emanuel Chicago Mayor Launch Video: Eligibility Requirements

"He has a physical location that he owns and has exclusive right to live in," said attorney Jim Nally.

But Emanuel's problem as he prepares to run for mayor is that he rented out his house, and the tenant refuses to back out of the lease.

"The guy does not meet the statutory requirements to run for mayor," said attorney Burt Odelson. "He hasn't been back there in 18 months. Residency cases are usually very hard to prove because the candidate gets an apartment or says he's living in his mother's basement. Here the facts are easy to prove. He doesn't dispute he's been in Washington for the past 18 months. This is not a hard case."

Emanuel could argue that he has maintained ownership of the home, voted absentee earlier this year, pays property taxes on his house, lists the address on his driver's license, registers his car there, and always intended to return. Cook County judges give great deference to a candidate's intent.

So as I prepare to run for mayor, I’m going to spend the next few weeks visiting our neighborhoods – at grocery stores, L stops, bowling alleys, and hot dog stands. 

I’m calling this the “Tell It Like It Is” tour, because I want to hear from you -- in blunt, Chicago terms -- what you think about our city, and how the next mayor and you, can make it better. 

You can also send a message directly to me at ChicagoforRahm.com.