Daley Scion Patrick Thompson: The Next 11th Ward Alderman?

Mayor Richard M. Daley's nephew is reportedly eyeing a seat on City Council

The Daley Kingdom may soon annoint a new prince.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Patrick Thompson—nephew of ex-Mayor Richard M. Daley and grandson of the famed Richard J. Daley—is eyeing a position on City Council, specifically the seat of 11th Ward Ald. James Balcer.

According to Michael Sneed, the 64-year-old Balcer will relinquish his post in April and leave room for Thompson to take over in the fabled South Side district where generations of Daleys have resided. Thompson, the son of Richard J.'s daughter Patricia, currently lives in his grandfather's former home.

Richard. M. appointed Balcer to City Council in '97 following the resignation of Ald. Patrick Huels, who was caught up in a pay-for-play scandal.

"It's just the next generation of Daley's testing their muscle, and Thompson is probably the best one of the lot to do it. He is actually well liked," a source is quoted as telling the paper, while another reveals: "Patrick is different than some of his cousins, who were spoiled by the Daley largess."

Thompson has made a soft entry into local politics as a newly elected commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

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