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From "Hizzhonor" to Dishonor - by Stephen Lendman
An earlier article discussed Chicago politics under father and son Daley - Richard J. (mayor from April 20, 1955 - December 20, 1976) and Richard M. (mayor since April 24, 1989), both called "Hizzhonor" or "Hizzhonor Da Mare."
Last winning a sixth term on February 27, 2007 by a 70% majority, most observers expected he'd seek another in 2011, but not so. The Chicago Tribune, on September 7, announced it, headlining, "Daley won't run for re-election: 'I have done my best,' saying:
"Mayor Richard Daley says he will not run for re-election in 2011," saying it's:
"time for me, it's time for Chicago to move on. The truth is I have been thinking about this for the past several months. In the end, this is a personal decision, no more, no less. I have always known that people want you to work hard for them. Clearly, they won't agree always with you. Obviously, they don't like it when you make a mistake. But at all times, they expect you to lead, to make difficult decisions, rooted in what's right for them."
For 21 years, that's what I've tried to do. But today, I am announcing that I will not seek a 7th term as mayor of the city of Chicago."
One reason may be his wife's health, battling breast cancer since 2002 as well as recovering from leg surgery, damaged by cancer and radiation treatment.
His popularity is also at issue, summer polls showing over half of Chicago voters saying they don't want him back:
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