photo credit, Nick Gale, 89 WLS News

(Chicago)  Bears former coach Mike Ditka has endorsed Alderman. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) for Chicago Mayor.

Speaking ahead of a small fundraiser at Ditka's Steakhouse in the Gold Coast neighborhood Tuesday, Ditka, who is known to back Republicans, told reporters that the race isn't about politics.

"Forget about your politics," Ditka said. "Politics are nothing. We see it in national government, we see it in state government and we see it in city government so put that behind you."

Ditka is a resident of Florida but still maintains a condominium in Chicago and oversees several restaurants. He’s concerned about Chicago. 

"I only want what's best for this city and if you’re not getting the best and you think you can do better then you got to take a shot at it," Ditka said.

So does he have a "beef" with Mayor Rahm Emanuel? Ditka says no.

"I have no beef with anybody," Ditka said. "I think you can always do better. What was my beef with the [1982] Bears? They weren't good enough to win a Super Bowl. The [1985] Bears were. It's not about a beef with anybody. It's not about disliking anybody."

Meanwhile, on the Bears hiring John Fox as their new head coach, Ditka calls Fox an "outstanding coach."

"His background was defense, Ditka said. "I think that is really where the Bears need the most help on defense right now."

Nick Gale, 89 WLS News