Richard Mulcahey Explained

Party:Democratic
District:69th
Alma Mater:Wisconsin State University
University of Illinois
Birth Date:March 22, 1935
Birth Place:Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
District2:74th
Term1:1974
Term2:1992-1993
Succeeded2:Ron Lawfer

Richard Thomas "Dick" Mulcahey was an American politician and educator who served as a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1975 until 1993.

Biography

Richard Thomas Mulcahey was born March 22, 1935, in Rockford, Illinois. He earned a bachelor of science degree with a history major from Wisconsin State University and later did graduate work at the University of Illinois.[1] Mulachey served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956 with the 1st Marine Division.[2] He then became a teacher and taught at schools in Galena and Durand.

In 1974, Mulcahey was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives along with Democratic incumbent Robert E. Brinkmeier and Republican Harlan Rigney.[3] In 1982, after the passage of the Cutback Amendment, which eliminated multi-member House districts, Mulachey was elected to represent the 69th district, which included all of Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties along with western Winnebago County.[4] During the 1980s, Mulcahey chaired the Education Committee.[2]

In 1992, the Republican controlled redistricting committee renumbered the district the 74th and drew it to include all of Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties along with portions of Carroll, Ogle, and Whiteside counties.[5] Mulcahey initially planned to retire and lost re-election to Ron Lawfer, a Republican member of the Jo Daviess County Board, after changing those plans and running for reelection.[6] [7]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Howlett. Michael. The 79th General Assembly. Illinois Blue Book 1975-1976. 141. Illinois Secretary of State. Springfield, Illinois.
  2. Web site: Sacia. Jim. House Joint Resolution 70 - 94th General Assembly. Illinois General Assembly. October 26, 2005. May 29, 2019.
  3. Web site: Elections: Democrats win clear majority in General Assembly. January 15, 1977. 1. 3. Day. William L.. Springfield, Illinois. Sangamon State University.
  4. Illinois Blue Book 1983-1984, page 55
  5. Redistricting '91: the World Series of Illinois politics. Wheeler III, Charles N. Northern Illinois University Libraries. Illinois Issues. 1992-11-30. 2014-02-17.
  6. Web site: More Choice for the Illinois House. October 21, 1992. Chicago Tribune. May 29, 2019.
  7. Web site: Pollock. James. New members of Illinois House: The issues they view as most important to constituents and state. Illinois Issues. 19. 2. Sangamon State University. Springfield, Illinois. February 1, 1993.