Chicago politicians react to Cubs winning World Series

FOX 32 NEWS - The Cubs' World Series win was a wonderful gift not just to fans, but to local politicians. They were thrilled to talk about something other than Chicago's problems.

Mayor Emanuel said he got only two hours of sleep after a whirlwind trip to Cleveland to watch the Cubs dramatic win. He was right behind the Cubs' dugout for the dramatic seventh game. It was an emotional experience.

“I'm still trying to look through the English language to find the exact words to say how incredible a feeling it was to watch what was happening on that field. And, literally, I don't know if it was the second or third pitch -- the home run! I will say this. I've got a hundred things I want to say. I can't even put 'em together,” Emanuel said.

Also pleading a lack of sleep after 13 hours of turnpike driving, Wrigleyville's own Congressman Mike Quigley.

“We drove out there yesterday. Came back this morning with, I think, about 8,000 Cubs fans that were there,” Quigley said.

FOX 32: You saw them on the Ohio Turnpike and Indiana Toll Road?

“Every stop along the way, every rest stop was packed with Cubs fans on their way out to Cleveland and this morning on their way back. It was great!” Quigley added.

FOX 32: So, how come you didn't go representative?

“I have a baby at home who goes to bed pretty early,” Tammy Duckworth said.

Democrat Tammy Duckworth is also campaigning for the U.S. Senate. She made a pilgrimage to Wrigleyville on the day after, basking in the reflected glow of the World Series champions.

Sen. Mark Kirk wore a Cubs cap as he prepared for this weekend's Willis Tower stair climbing marathon. It benefits the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where Kirk recuperated from a severe stroke. He admires the young athletes like slugger Addison Russell whose heroics rehabilitated the Cubs.

“When somebody says, ‘What did you do in the war, daddy?’ He'll say, ‘I played in the World Series and hit a grand slam,’” Kirk said.

The politicos know this Cubs-induced honeymoon won't last long for them, not with tough decisions coming up right after next Tuesday's election. But it's fun while it lasts.

A spokesman for Mayor Emanuel says he didn't pay those sky-high ticket prices. He says the mayor's father-in-law lives in the Cleveland area and has season tickets, and that the mayor got his ticket from family friends.