Preckwinkle won't rule out mayoral bid

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle still isn't saying whether she'll run against Rahm Emanuel for Chicago mayor next year.

Preckwinkle spoke Thursday at the City Club of Chicago. In a news conference with reporters afterward, she was asked repeatedly whether she's ruled out a mayoral bid.

Preckwinkle would say only that she's running for re-election as Cook County Board president in November. She says she has a "big to-do list" for that job.

The former Chicago alderman is frequently mentioned as a potential challenger to Emanuel.

She said Thursday she's focused on reducing a budget shortfall projected to be $169 million next year and on making reforms at the county jail.

Preckwinkle also is pushing legislation to address the county's unfunded pension liability.