Out lesbian state Rep. Deb Mell is likely to pursue her father's 33rd Ward Aldermanic seat. That is according to Ald. Richard Mell.
Richard Mell detailed his long career at a lengthly press conference July 5 at City Hall.
Mell said that his daughter is likely to pursue an appointment to his seat after he retires July 24. Deb Mell is currently serving as 40th Dist. rep, where she has been fighting to pass equal marriage.
Richard Mell said that he had discussed his daughter's possible appointment with Mayor Emanuel, but said that he would respect the Mayor's decision.
"I will live with the decision he makes," said the alderman.
"I hope if she presents herself, and I think she will, that she gets a fair hearing," he added.
Deb Mell did not respond to requests to comment.
Deb Mell would be the third openly LGBT alderman in Chicago, after Alds. Tom Tunney and James Cappleman.
Deb Mell has firm roots in Illinois politics, both through her own work in the General Assembly and through family connections. Aside from her father's aldermanic job, Deb Mell's brother-in-law is former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is serving time in prison on corruption charges.
In the July 5 press conference, Richard Mell counted the ordeal with Blagojevich among just two significant difficulties in his life. The other was his wife's illness and subsequent death.
The alderman said that he has not spoken to his son-in-law since he entered prison.