* Rockford Register Star…
Chuck Jefferson, a Democratic state representative from Rockford and the city’s only black state lawmaker, has resigned.
In a letter dated Tuesday, July 1, 2014, to Timothy Mapes, chief clerk of the state House, Jefferson said, “Please acknowledge this correspondence as official notice of my resignation from the office state representative of the 67th … District effective today.”
Jefferson, 69, was not immediately available for comment. His chief of staff, Litesa Wallace, confirmed that Jefferson had indeed stepped down. Asked if she is a candidate to replace him — her name is being mentioned by local Democrats — Wallace declined comment. She said Jefferson stepped down to “enjoy his retirement” and to spend more time with family.
A Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee panel made up of Chairman Charles Laskonis, Bill Crowley, also the Winnebago County auditor; and L.C. Wilson, a County Board member, will meet to name Jefferson’s replacement.
*** UPDATE *** Subscribers have known about this for over a week…
A northeastern Illinois lawmaker is announcing plans to remove himself from the November ballot.
State Rep. Josh Harms is a Watseka Republican and a longtime teacher at Watseka Community High School. He released a statement this week citing a desire to return to teaching and be closer to his family.
Harms was first elected to represent the 106th District in 2012.
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 10:50 am:
Abrupt for “enjoy his retirement.”
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 10:51 am:
A good and decent man. He will be missed by many Statehouse denizens.
- Open and Shut - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 10:51 am:
FYI, GOP has no candidate in the district.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 10:54 am:
Thank you for your years of service, Mr. Jefferson.
- walker - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 11:00 am:
I hope his health is good, and stays that way. Very good man.
- Lobo Y Olla - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 11:01 am:
Chuck sponsored a resolution for his COS who is now in the on-deck circle…
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=85&GA=98&DocTypeId=HR&DocNum=727&GAID=12&LegID=&SpecSess=&Session=
- tikkunolam - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 12:21 pm:
Odd story… wonder why he took a $5000 donation w/in 24 hours of resigning. Must have been a very sudden decision.
http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/A1List.aspx?ID=534377&FiledDocID=534377&ContributionType=All+Types&Archived=False
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 12:46 pm:
Too bad Josh did not stay with it, I think he was very disappointing in the reality of how the ILGA actually operates. Being in the minority party probably didn’t help either.
- in the know - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 1:46 pm:
So after waiting a politically appropriate period of time, and certainly counting on the fact that there is nothing untoward about his health, political wags wanna speculate on who gets his leadership spot?
- Amuzing Myself - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 2:59 pm:
Does Rutherford live in that district?
- Nearly Normal - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
==Does Rutherford live in that district?==
Yes, he does for what it’s worth.
Sad to see Josh Harms step down. I had good conversations with him in regards to issues. But, if one needs to step away due to family situation, then do so now so he can go back to teaching. He was a special ed teacher and they are in high demand.
- Mister Whipple - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 4:57 pm:
And Shane Cultra making noise about wanting to take back his old seat. He was so desperately missed by his caucus. ^snark^
- connor - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 6:56 pm:
Josh Harms is a great Rep. Sad to see him go.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Jul 2, 14 @ 10:34 pm:
We need not Cultra or Rutherford. Harms was a significant upgrade from Cultra (after Barickman was appointed and decided to run for senate).
- Northern Light - Thursday, Jul 3, 14 @ 1:17 am:
Certainly not a loss for the 67th District…nice guy, yes…effective? Methinks not!