Former Wilmington mayor dies

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - May 30, 2008 McLaughlin, one of a family of 11 children, began his career in politics when he ran for a city council seat representing the city's 9th Ward.

He spent 12 years on the council before becoming mayor.

Wilmington's status as a financial center grew tremendously while he was mayor, in part due to his efforts to pass the Financial Center Development Act.

Republican lawmaker Mike Castle said McLaughlin was a man of the people well-liked by the citizens of Wilmington and residents throughout the state.