Nancy Patton Mills of Moon has politics in her blood.

Born and raised in a family that included generations of politicians, her career has led her to become a member of the Moon Planning Commission and Democratic State Committee and serve as Moon supervisor.

On Jan. 2, a new title was added to her impressive resume -- Allegheny County Democratic Committee chair. She had served as vice chair.

Mrs. Mills replaces Jim Burn, a county councilman from Millvale, who recently resigned to concentrate on his duties as state party chair in the run-up to the presidential election.

In her new position, Mrs. Mills said she hopes to use her forward thinking and background in rhetoric and communication to exact positive change, with an emphasis on relating to people and communication within the Democratic Party. Her plans include implementing more social media ideas, developing the website, creative fundraising, and using email to contact committee members as opposed to direct mailings.

As for her love for politics and connecting with people, Mrs. Mills said it was instilled in her at a very young age by her mother, father, and grandfather, who were all active in Democratic party politics.

"I can remember any family function that we had, politics was always the main topic," she said.

Mrs. Mills said she voted by absentee ballot until she was six years old, when an uncle finally informed her that her vote didn't count. The news, she said, was disappointing, but it didn't thwart her passion for politics and the Democratic Party.

"There aren't many Democrats that you meet that you don't like," she said. "It's like a big family and I think it's always been that way. I think the friendship really is important to me and there is no question that the philosophy of the Democratic Party is the one that I respect the most."