Thomas Hynes, Chicago Democrat who held office for more than 40 years, died May 4 after a long illness. He was an influential member of the Democratic National Committee. First elected to the Illinois Senate in 1970, he became its youngest President at 31. From his base in Chicago’s 19th ward, he was long-serving Cook County assessor. He also decided to run against Harold Washington in the 1987 Chicago mayoral race. While he was a part of the Democratic party, … Continue reading Democratic Powerhouse Thomas Hynes Dies at 80