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.
Daley said 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 citymore 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."
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 an ally 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.
Windy City Times will run more news related to Daley's announcement as it becomes available.