Ald. Brendan Reilly, whose ward covers parts of downtown, may take a stab at running for Congress, according to a new report.
Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business reports that Ald. Reilly (42nd Ward) might be mulling over a run for Rep. Danny Davis' seat as rumors swirl about Davis' possible retirement.
After receiving a tip from an insider, Hinz received an email response from Reilly that read, "I have been encouraged to consider it seriously — so I'm doing that."
Davis, 73, has represented the 7th Congressional District since 1997. According to Hinz, sources in both Chicago and Washington, D.C., say Davis might retire after he finishes out the current term. After his re-election last year, however, Davis did not offer any possible end date to his tenure.
The 7th Congressional District covers several Chicago neighborhoods where wealth and unemployment levels vary dramatically. From the suburb of Oak Park to the Gold Coast to Englewood and Lawndale, residents in the district range from near-poverty to extreme wealth.
Reilly's current domain in the 42nd Ward covers a much smaller area that is arguably much less diverse. The ward houses parts of River North, the Loop, the Near North Side and part of the West Loop. It also houses some if the city's most famous landmarks, including Grant Park, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.
Reilly, a River North resident, was first elected alderman of the 42nd Ward in 2007. He began his career as part of the staff in the Illinois House of Representatives. He later served as press secretary and communications director for Paul Vallas in his campaign for governor in 2002 and then joined AT&T as Midwest vice president of public.
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Reilly's potential run rides on whether Davis will retire, and although rumor has it he will, Davis has not announced any plans for retirement.
