ILLINOIS POLITICS - IT'S ALL IN THE FAMILY

The nepotism in Illinois politics is like nothing I have ever seen. From Cook County Board President Todd Stroger and Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele, to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and our very own Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Check out this pretty comprehensive list I came across over at Windyshitty.

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinksi replaced his father, Bill Lipinski, in the 3rd Congressional District on the city's Southwest Side and suburbs.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger was handpicked by party leaders to ultimately succeed his father, John Stroger.

Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele succeeded his mother, Bobbi Steele, when she was promoted to acting board president between the Stroger administrations.

House Speaker Michael Madigan helped his daughter, Lisa, become a state senator and then state attorney general.

Former Cook County Assessor and 19th Ward committeeman Thomas Hynes helped pave the way for son Dan to become state comptroller in 1998.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is the son-in-law of Chicago Ald. Richard Mell (33rd). Now Mell's daughter, Deborah, is running for state representative. (WTD edit: Deborah Mell is now State Representative for the 40th District)

Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th), wife of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.(D-Ill.).

Ald. Carrie Austin (34), replaced late husband Lemuel.

Ald. Margaret Laurino (39), replaced father Anthony.

State Rep. Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago), son of late state Rep. Roger McAuliffe.

State Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), son of former state Sen. Denny Jacobs.

State Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville), wife of late Sen. Vince Demuzio.

State Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), son of late state Rep. Richard Mautino.

Impressive, isn't it? Can you think of any others that belong on this list?