Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - August 1, 2006
Christi Parsons, Tribune staff reporter
McKeon, a Chicago Democrat, has struggled in the past year with cancer and with an AIDS-related digestive illness, but he said he has regained much of his strength and now wants to begin a "working retirement" as an advocate for his favorite causes. He said he plans to serve through the end of his term, which expires in January.
His announcement comes just months after enactment of the state's new gay rights act, which was one of McKeon's chief goals from the time he took office in 1997.
"I'm proud of the work I've done, but 42 years in public service is long enough," said McKeon, 62. "It's time for a younger person with new energy and new ideas."
McKeon's withdrawal from the November general-election ballot opens the field for a number of candidates in his North Side district. Local Democratic Party officials will appoint a new candidate.
In 1996 he was elected to the Illinois House, making him not just the first openly gay member of the legislature but also the first HIV-positive candidate elected to state office.
To take his place on the ballot, McKeon is backing Chicago attorney and gay rights advocate Jim Snyder. Other candidates also are emerging, with Equality Illinois board member Kevin Thompson among them.
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