In 1989, Richard M. Daley had a long record of public service.

img: [Illinois State Senator Richard M. Daley (center) stands with his father, Mayor Richard J. Daley, to his left and Alderman Michael Bilandic to his right on a boat on Lake Michigan during a Chicago Park District fish derby, circa 1972-1976. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0003_0004_039.]

He won his first election in 1969, for delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention (1969-1970).

img: [Voter's guide to the new constitution of Illinois, first page, 1970, Richard J. Daley collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RJD_02_01_0093_0001_001.]

In 1972, Daley won election as state senator. He served in that position from 1973 to 1980.


Frank Kruesi, longtime friend and former aide, remembers their time as roommates while Daley was state senator:


img: [Illinois State Senator Richard M. Daley stands with his brother, John. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0002_0003_013.]


Img: [State Senator Richard M. Daley and Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic review the St. Patrick's Day parade, circa 1970s. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0001_0003_006.]

In 1980, Daley ran for state's attorney of Cook County:
Img: [Flyer promotes Richard M. Daley for Cook County State's Attorney, 1980. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_06_0002_0001_013.]

William Daley explains how his brother won the state's attorney election in 1980:


In 1983, Daley sought the Democratic nomination for mayor, but lost to Harold Washington.



Img: [Poster promotes Richard M. Daley for mayor of Chicago, 1983. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_06_0004_0004_001]

After the defeat in 1983, Daley continued serving as state's attorney until 1988, when he decided to run for mayor..