Passing the political baton to a new crop of pols

Passing the political baton to a new crop of pols
Passing the political baton to a new crop of pols

Passing the political baton to a new crop of pols

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Earlier this month, U.S. Congressman Danny Davis announced (during his birthday party) that he’s seeking re-election to his 7th district seat. Shortly after that, former Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia announced she had formed an exploratory committee for the same seat. Davis supported Enyia’s mayoral run. Davis is not alone in being challenged by the next generation. Congressman Bobby Rush is also on that list. It got us to thinking about longtime elected officials grooming the next group of leaders to take over. How many local and state politicians can you name that have retired or moved on to something else AND passed that political baton? Former Chicago Alderman Richard Mell and his daughter Deborah Mell come to mind. A few others are the Isaac Sims, who was the 28th Ward committeeman, and his son-in-law William Carothers; Cook County Board President John Stroger to son Todd Stroger. Is it hard for the seasoned guard to help along a new batch of leaders to eventually take their place? Chicago Sun-times and ABC 7 Political Analyst Laura Washington joins us with her take on the subject. (Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil)