Just days after becoming the leading black contender in what is shaping up to be a contentious mayoral race in Chicago, Carol Moseley Braun displayed her fiery political style.

On Monday, Braun, a former U.S. Senator and ambassador to New Zealand, lashed out at some opponents who insisted that she turn over her tax returns before the February 22 election, saying "Because I don't want to.'' But she changed her mind in the wake of intense media scrutiny and is scheduled to release them today.

Braun, 63, has said she delayed paying property taxes because she was trying to make ends meet while running a small business, Ambassador Organics, an organic tea, coffee and spice company. Other candidates, including Rahm Emanuel, City Treasurer Miguel del Valle and Gery Chico, former Chicago school board president, released their returns last month.

Despite her zeal, Braun emerged as the leading black candidate after a series of back-door deals. Days after Emanuel won a fight challenging his Chicago residency, state Sen. James Meeks withdrew from the race., and U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis withdrew shortly thereafter. Throughout the weekend, Braun made key appearances with black leaders, including Davis and the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., to highlight the fact that they had indeed selected a "consensus candidate.'' Jackson reportedly helped broker the deal to consolidate the slate of black candidates.

Black leaders and voters have said the time is ripe for another black mayor. But it was a crowded field until Friday. At one point, up to nine candidates were considering a bid for office. Besides Braun, Davis and Meeks, the potential slate included former U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, State Sen. Rickey Hendon, State Rep. Annazette Collins, Urban Prep Academy founder Tim King, William Walls and Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers.

Selecting a consensus candidate was important for the city's African-American community because black politicians have been splintered since the sudden death in 1987 of Harold Washington, the city's first black mayor. One group wanted Alderman Eugene Sawyer and another wanted his rival Ald. Tim Evans to become mayor. The City Council voted for Sawyer, who served for 17 months before Daley was elected. The two camps still exist today, but the rift has somewhat eased.

But Emanuel, President Barack Obama's former chief-of-staff and the apparent front-runner in the election, casts a long shadow over all candidates no matter their race. He enjoys the president's subliminal support and that of former President Bill Clinton, who is popular among black voters. It has been reported that Clinton plans to campaign for Emanuel. The move generated blistering criticism of Clinton throughout the community and among political leaders. In a departing blow, Davis advised Clinton, a close friend, against campaigning for Emanuel. He said Clinton could possibly hurt his "long and fruitful relationship'' with the black community.

Davis' withdrawal from the race came as somewhat of a surprise even to insiders, sources said. A Chicago Tribune/WGN poll showed he was supported by 21 percent of black voters, Emanuel by 19 percent and 30 percent were undecided. Overall, Emanuel enjoys 30 percent of support among voters surveyed, while 30 percent were undecided.

Braun is the better consensus candidate, political experts say, because she appeals to whites and blacks. Additionally, she has a strong national and international track record, including being elected as the first woman in the U.S. Senate in 1992. Her senatorial stint is a feather in her cap despite questions over perceived missteps during her tenure in Washington.

"Chicago has never had a more qualified, a more pedigreed, a more experienced person to go into City Hall and sit on the fifth floor,'' Davis said during his speech to withdraw from the race, according to the Associated Press.