Powerful Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. is expected to announce Monday that he soon will retire, sources close to him said Sunday night, which will leave Gov. Rod Blagojevich without one of his closest allies.Surprise! And it might have been for the governor's people as well, especially since the governor declared himself an honorary homeboy because of his relationship with the Senate president. I almost wonder what prompted this. You can read a round-up over at the Capitol Fax.
Jones, who turns 73 in October, long championed more money for schools and education funding reform and made them his top priority as Senate president, a post he has held since 2003. He also has been a major voice for social justice.
His decision, not officially confirmed, likely opens a free-for-all to succeed him. Possible candidates to succeed Jones, a Chicago Democrat, as president include Sens. James Clayborne of Belleville, Jeff Schoenberg of Evanston; John Cullerton, Rickey Hendon and Donne Trotter of Chicago; and Terry Link of Waukegan, who doubles as Lake County Democratic chairman.
Jones' name is on the Nov. 4 ballot with no opposition. He could remain on the ballot and throw the choice of his successor in the Senate district to local party leaders.
Dispatches from Chicago's south side.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Senate President Emil Jones to retire
Tribune:
2 comments:
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I guess he must *really* have needed that pay raise that went down...
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Rickey Hendon and Emil III would be way at the bottom of my list. They might be even worse than Emil. Sheesh!
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