Accusations of ethics violations and misconduct could thwart Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin's bid for U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’ (D-7) congressional seat before she even got started, political analysts said.Campaigning would be like running “with an anvil around her foot,” said Chicago political consultant Delmarie Cobb.“You’re starting out with an issue, a negative issue,” she explained.But “there are certain standards that you have to live up to when you become an elected official,” she said. “I always tell my clients that it’s not whether you did something right or wrong, it’s the perception of the right and wrong.”
In April, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin launched an exploratory committee, saying she would run for Congress only if Rep. Danny Davis retires. She changed course, even as Davis seeks another term.