Chicago is still trying to dig itself out from under a mountain of snow, and the city’s politicians are doing their best to prove that they, too, know how to use a shovel.

Recognizing the importance of mayoral snow-clearing duties, several candidates tried to capitalize on the blizzard. Gery Chico was due to meet Ald. Proco Joe Moreno at noon Wednesday in the 1st Ward. Moreno even had the street cleared just beforehand. But the ATVs Moreno hired to help clear sidewalks were stuck on the South Side.

“I understand that there’s the weather, but I think if anybody that should be prepared for that would be guys that have scoops and are in the business of removing snow,” Moreno said.

It’s okay. Gery Chico was late, too. But when he showed, Chico took his shoveling duties seriously.

“If you don’t do this right, you got kids walking over here, and you’ve got cars coming, so if they fall, that’s not a good thing,” Chico said, digging out a sidewalk curb.

Chico wasn’t alone. Rahm Emanuel put on his snow boots and picked up a shovel. (His campaign sent reporters a picture as evidence.)

Nothing like a snow day photo opportunity when it’s the only story in town.