September 07, 2010
Mayor Daley Not Running For Reelection
Daley Has Been In Office Since 1989CBS 2 Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) ― Mayor Richard M. Daley announced Tuesday afternoon that he will not be seeking another term.
The mayor unexpectedly made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in a news conference with his family. He said he has been considering retiring for several months.
"I've done my all," Daley said. "I've done my best. Now, I'm ready with my family to begin the new phase of our lives."
He said it was his own decision to retire.
"In the end, this was a personal decision, no more, no less," Daley said, declining to answer questions. "I've been thinking about this for the last several months . . . . It just feels right."
Daley was accompanied by his wife Maggie, his two daughters and two sons, and his son-in-law. His voice trembled as he made the announcement.
The mayor spoke for five minutes and took no questions.
Maggie Daley was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, and has undergone multiple surgeries and radiation treatments. Speculation had been mounting that the First Lady's health might prompt Mayor Daley to retire, but the mayor did not mention this at the news conference.
Daley has served as mayor since April 1989, when he unseated Acting Mayor Eugene Sawyer in a special election prompted by the death of Mayor Harold Washington.
Previously, he served as Cook County State's Attorney from 1980 to 1989, and as an Illinois State Senator from 1973 to 1980.
The mayor's father, Richard J. Daley, also served as mayor, from 1955 until his death in 1976.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/mayor.daley.retirement.2.1900359.html
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