Pictured Openly gay state Rep, Larry McKeon with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Photo by Andrew Davis.
In front of several prominent members of the LGBT community, Illinois Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago, launched his re-election campaign for a sixth term Oct. 10.
McKeon was first elected to a representative seat for the 34th District in 1996. The district is on the North Side of Chicago and includes parts of Ravenswood, North Center, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Lakeview, Andersonville and the Argyle district.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who introduced McKeon, said that although 'it has not been an easy year [ for him ] , but in spite of what he's gone through, he's been amazingly successful in the legislature in terms of his continued work and commitment to the people he represents and to the state of Illinois.' She cited his efforts with the Prevailing Wage Act as well as with a methamphetamine-related bill that will place more restrictions regarding the sale of cold medication that contains an ingredient used to make the drug. Madigan added that McKeon could retire but said that he is 'dedicated' and that he 'understands what public service is all about. ... He is about helping people and making [ Illinois ] a better place.'
During his announcement, McKeon revealed a piece of news that elated everyone in attendance: He is now cancer-free. ( McKeon was diagnosed with rectal cancer and began chemotherapy and radiation treatments in May. ) 'Over 20 years ago, God gave me a challenge to live with HIV and [ then ] with AIDS. Then, earlier this year, God—in his infinite wisdom and great sense of humor—decided to have me take on cancer for a while. I got the results from the biopsy [ during the previous ] week and there's absolutely no evidence of cancer anywhere.' He then held up a T-shirt that read 'I'm not dead yet.'
The primary elections is March 21, 2006, and the general is Nov. 7.
