In a Sept. 7 press conference, Mayor Richard Daley stunned the political world by announcing that he will not seek a seventh term in the February 2011 elections.
Approximately a few minutes later, the list of possible successors could fill a phone book. Among the more prominent names that have been mentioned are White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who once expressed mayoral aspirations if Daley did not run; Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart; Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan; former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and ex-Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman; state Sen. James Meeks; U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.; and several of the city's aldermen, including openly gay 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney. City Clerk Miguel del Valle has thrown his hat into the ring.
In an article posted on www.MyFoxChicago.com, Meeks, a minister who believes homosexuality and abortion are morally incorrect, had this to say regarding certain LGBT-related issues, such as hate crimes: "Now, if I were sitting around bored with nothing to do, that stuff might come up. But I expect to be so busy with schools, crime and budget problems during my first term that I wouldn't have any time."
Out gay state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, responded to Meeks' comment: "Oh, great. So, our right to basic equality would depend on his whim? That is not acceptable."
Houlihan's spokesman, Eric Herman, told Windy City Times regarding the possibility of Houlihan running for mayor: "I can't say. I just don't know." When asked the same question, Tunney said, "I'm not going to comment on that," adding that he plans to run for re-election as alderman.
Others have also commented one way or the other. The Chicago Tribune reported that Brendan Reilly, alderman of the 42nd Ward, said, "You never completely close a door, but I love my job as alderman downtown and I'm running for reelection." However, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is seriously considering running for the mayoral seat, adding, "I'm one of the highest vote getters in the county." Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer and former U.S Sen. Carol Moseley Braun are also reportedly mulling mayoral runs.
Expect many others to state their plans as they examine many factors—including how much money they have in their war chests.
Moving on
Daley said Sept. 7 that it is "time for me, it's time for Chicago to move on."
"I have loved every minute of it. There has been no greater privilege or honor than serving as your mayor. ... I am deeply grateful to the people of this great city—more grateful than I can fully express.
"I have given it my all. ... Now I am ready, with my family, to begin a new phase of our lives.
"In the end, this is a personal decision: no more, no less."
Many people have issued statements related to Daley's decision, including President Obama. Obama said, "No mayor in America has loved a city more or served a community with greater passion than Rich Daley. He helped build Chicago's image as a world class city, and leaves a legacy of progress that will be appreciated for generations to come."
Daley, who has been mayor of Chicago since 1989, has been one of the most pro-LGBT public officials in the country. Not only does he support marriage equality, but he was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame as a friend of the community in 2006. In addition, his annual reception for the LGBT community ( held during Pride Month ) draws hundreds each year. Also, he served as honorary co-chair of Gay Games VII and greeted the tens of thousands of individuals who came to Chicago for the event.
In addition, according to the Hall of Fame website, the city budget under Daley has aided the Center on Halsted with millions of dollars in building value write-down and cash assistance; established the Office of LGBT Health in the city Department of Public Health; and funded hate-crimes initiatives in the streets, among other things.
Talking with Windy City Times in 2006 about being inducted, Daley said, "The [ LGBT ] community has made Chicago a global city, and it's done so much. It was a special honor; the city is giving awards, but [ it was great ] to receive an award from such a wonderful community." He added that he would like to see marriage equality happen.
