Rahm Emanuel campaigning at Target, 85th and Cottage Grove, on Saturday. (photo by Lynn Sweet)

CHICAGO--The last thing the Rahm Emanuel mayoral camp wants is raised expectations about the Tuesday mayoral balloting here. Emanuel is in a position to win the contest outright--if he gets more than 50 percent of the vote. If not, the top two vote getters go to an April 5 runoff. If Emanuel does well--comes in first--but not pass 50 percent--will he seem somehow falling short? That's a perception issue.

On Monday, at North Park Village, Emanuel--in the heart of what was his congressional district-- was asked about whether he could clinch Tuesday.

"This is a big election and I want people to participate in that election by showing up and voting," he said.

Over the weekend, Emanuel campaigned on the South Side and on Saturday got a warm reception at the Target at 85th and Cottage Grove. For my overview story on Emanuel and the mayoral race, click here.