Chicago GOP calls on Emanuel to…

Associated Press

Updated: Sep 2, 2012 5:57 PM

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Republican Party says Mayor Rahm Emanuel should cancel his Democratic National Convention speech and focus on city leadership.

The GOP says Chicago is facing critical issues, including a spike in shootings and a potential teachers' strike.

In a Sunday statement the group says Chicago is in crisis.

Emanuel is scheduled to speak Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C.

The Chicago Teachers Union has said members will strike Sept. 10 unless a new contract is reached with Chicago Public Schools. Union officials say they're still concerned about job security for teachers and other staff, wages and health benefits

Chicago has also seen a recent spike in shooting deaths.

On NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, Emanuel said Chicago's violence was contained and not a crisis.

Emanuel's spokeswoman didn't immediately have a comment.

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