Acknowledging a “whirlwind of emotions” after her surprise candidacy for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District seat, Patty Garcia swatted down criticism Wednesday that retiring U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia had cleared her path to the Democratic nomination with a maneuver from the old-school playbook of Chicago politics.

Instead, the congressman’s chief of staff-turned-heir apparent, Patty Garcia, said she found herself thrust into the Southwest Side race when health concerns emerged for Chuy Garcia. He turned in papers to run for a fifth term last month but opted against a reelection campaign shortly before last week’s candidate filing deadline, prompting Patty’s last-minute filing .

The congressman didn’t announce his retirement until after the deadline — but anybody else who might’ve c

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