Who's running against Emanuel in 2015?

The 2015 Municipal Election is in February and in various wards especially the 6th & 9th Wards there are already challengers emerging next year seeking to become a Chicago Alderman. Today we will consider who could challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Mick Dumke and Ben Joravsky at the Chicago Reader digs up some well-know names who could challenge the Mayor although it's not clear if they would run. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has often stated that she won't run although it seems lately she won't rule it out. More positive although not necessarily committed is Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis who states that a lot of people are "sick of this mayor". Then there's 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti.

I've always thought Fioretti had the least to lose in comparison to Karen Lewis and Toni Preckwinkle. In 2012 Fioretti was effectively drawn out of his 2nd Ward. The 2nd Ward was drawn further north as illustrated in a map shown on the blog last month. Would he want to run in that new ward and would have a tough time going back to the city council in any of the wards that ate up the former 2nd Ward?

All the same there are already candidates lining up against Emanuel. Most of us already know former Alderman Robert Shaw (in fact wasn't he a former Alderman of the 9th Ward?). There's also a man named Frederick Collins who ran for offices such as Cook County Sheriff as a Republican but is reportedly now a Democrat. Then there's a young lady from the west side of town Amara Eniya who's seeking her first elected office.

It seems the electorate may not be happy with the current Mayor, however, the electorate needs someone they can vote for. More accurately while voters are looking for a name who can beat Emanuel. So could Preckwinkle, Lewis, or Fioretti be the name voters are looking for? Or could any of the other mayoral longshots?

Dumke & Joravsky of course explores that but what do you all think?