Wirtz delivers a $200K message to Emanuel, but what does it mean?

Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz was clearly sending a political message to Mayor Rahm Emanuel when he signed $200,000 in checks to challenger Paul Vallas.

But what exactly was the meaning behind the message?

Has the United Center co-owner, catering, liquor and real estate magnate - whose family has long been one of the most clout-heavy in Illinois - really written off the two-term incumbent mayor of Chicago?

Or was Wirtz simply sending a message to Emanuel about the mayor's decision to raise the amusement tax on large venues to bankroll a waiver for small, neighborhood theaters?

And if Wirtz is four-square behind Vallas with no turning back, has Vallas promised to return the favor by lowering the amusement tax?

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