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* Madison-St. Clair Record…
Former Madison County State’s Attorney and Illinois State Sen. Bill Haine passed away early Monday morning.
Haine, a Democrat, was elected in 2002 as senator of Illinois’ 56th District, which includes the Alton area. He completed his last term in 2018 and chose not to run for re-election after he was diagnosed with blood cancer.
He served on the Criminal Law Committee, Judiciary Committee, Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Special Issues and Committee of the Whole.
Haine’s son, Tom Haine, is the current Madison County State’s Attorney. Tom Haine, a Republican, was elected State’s Attorney last year.
* From the Haine family…
Strengthened by the sacraments of the Catholic Church and with his beloved wife of 50 years Anna by his side, retired Senator William R. Haine passed away early in the morning on August 16 after the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. In this time of great sorrow, we feel great joy in knowing that Bill, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully. He was to the end a man of deep and committed Faith in Jesus Christ, surrounded by the songs and prayers of his family, to whom he had offered every ounce of his care and devotion. Though we have every hope that Bill has now joined all the angels and saints in the Kingdom of God for eternity, please continue to pray for his eternal salvation and the comfort of his family, who will miss him greatly.
* Senate President Don Harmon…
“There was no more a gentleman in the Senate than Bill Haine.
“We came to Springfield around the same time, and I learned so much from him.
“Bill dedicated his life to public service, beginning by serving his country in Vietnam, holding several local elected offices and ultimately having a storied career in the Senate.
“His focus was always on serving the people of the Metro East, and he frequently worked across party lines to do so.
“He was a man of faith and family. Every time his family came to visit him on the Senate floor, it was easy to see he had a lot of which to be proud.
“My deepest sympathies go out to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and his beloved wife, Anna. We will all miss you, Bill.”
Harmon really said it best. I’d add that Sen. Haine was also a student of history, particularly about his region. He was a fascinating conversationalist. And, while he was a conservative, law-and-order Democrat, he also sponsored the state’s medical cannabis bill.
…Adding… AG Raoul…
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement in response to the passing of former state Sen. William R. “Bill” Haine.
“I had the honor of serving with Bill Haine in the Illinois Senate and working closely with him on the Senate’s Judiciary and Criminal Law Committees where we developed a friendship I have valued throughout my career. He was more than a colleague, he was a mentor and a teacher. Like many of my colleagues, I was not only impressed by ‘Professor’ Haine’s grasp of the law, but his knowledge of the history behind it, as well as history at large. I am a better lawyer and public servant as a result of my time with Bill Haine.
“Bill was a true statesman who was able to disagree without being disagreeable and for whom ‘bipartisanship’ was more than a talking point. He worked across the aisle and across county lines to improve the quality of life for residents of every region of our state.
“Those of us fortunate to know Bill knew that only his deep love of his large family came before his commitment to service. On behalf of the people of Illinois, thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather for so many years. We are all better because of his kindness, integrity and leadership. The state of Illinois mourns your loss and celebrates the life of our great friend and colleague.”
* DPI’s Robin Kelly…
The following statement is from Chair Robin Kelly on the passing of former state senator Bill Haine:
“Everyone who knew Bill Haine respected him deeply. Bill was a true professional who led by example and with a deep commitment to public service. His constituents in Metro East and throughout Illinois benefitted from his dedication to making Illinois a great place to live and work. My thoughts and sympathies are with Bill’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
* ISBE…
It is with profound sadness that the Illinois State Board of Elections announces the passing of Board Member William R. Haine.
Haine, 77, of Alton, died Monday.
A former four-term Madison County State’s Attorney and state senator representing parts of the Metro East area, Haine was appointed to the State Board of Elections’ eight-member board as a Democrat in July 2019.
“As a former lawmaker, Member Haine had a particular acumen for helping develop the agency’s legislative agenda,” said Acting Executive Director Bernadette Matthews. “He will be greatly missed both for his deep knowledge and his friendly demeanor.”
The board’s chair and vice-chair also praised Haine.“Member Haine possessed a wisdom matched only by his wit and charm,” said Chair Ian Linnabary. “His board service, though relatively brief, was marked by the insights of a man who lived a rich, full life. We will all miss him.”
“I was finally able to speak directly with him just last week. Prior thereto, I would leave our messages of support and encouragement with his wife Anna,” said Board Vice-Chair Casandra B. Watson. “It was truly a pleasure to work with him as a member of the State Board of Elections. He will be missed.”
By Illinois law, Gov. JB Pritzker will appoint Haine’s replacement on the eight-member board within 30 days. The board is comprised of four members of each party appointed by the governor.
A full biography of Member Haine can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 2:58 pm
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Bill Haine was all that is good and right in Illinois politics
Comment by Wow Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:10 pm
Bill began his political career when he was elected precinct committeeman while still serving in Vietnam, following the same path as Congressman Mel Price, who was elected to Congress in 1944 while still on active duty in the Army. Bill was the quintessential gentelman who did his best work behind the scenes and when successful, which was the majority of the time, he had no problem letting someone else take the credit. Rest in Peace my friend.
Comment by Nitemayor Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:15 pm
wow +1
Harmon’s words were great. All i can add is that Bill was someone interested in learning all sides of an argument and as much at home talking to you about your respective families as he was talking about an issue he cared passionately about.
A statesman, plain and simple.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:17 pm
Senator Haine appreciated an informed debate. I always felt as though he valued what I had to say even if our positions were not aligned. He was a kind soul.
Comment by Brent A Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:33 pm
Rich, you might as well ban me from being on here, because I will never, ever utter anything nice about Bill Haine.
Comment by Collinsville Kevin Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:35 pm
I spent hours over the years will Bill in his Springfield office, Alton Office and the floor of the Senate talking world history. There was no one more knowledgeable, thoughtful or caring of people than Bill. He will be truly missed.
Comment by The Real Captain Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:36 pm
Always enjoyed the history tidbits you’d get during committee or on the Senate floor. What a loss. Rest in peace and prayers to his family.
Comment by Peanut Gallery Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:43 pm
Shine was a class act. Harmon’s ode did him justice.
Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:47 pm
President Harmon said so much, saying it all.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:49 pm
He was a good man who took the time to listen. I appreciate all he did to help Illinois’s seniors.
Comment by Sweet Mama Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 3:59 pm
Very sad news and condolences to his large and loving family. My favorite anecdote: I was working a bill of his and someone (can’t remember who) signed on as an unexpected co-sponsor. When I told him the news he exclaimed with sincere excitement “you caught a trout!”
I also was touched by his Memorial Day tributes on the floor when he spoke of feeling the presence of departed veterans on that hallowed day (please forgive my translation from memory - I’m sure his language was more precise and eloquent).
Comment by Dan Johnson Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 4:35 pm
Gentleman. Scholar. Friend.
We need more like him…
Comment by 4 percent Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 5:01 pm
Prayers for comfort for his family. He always seemed to approach life with intelligence and a sense of humor
Comment by Steve Brown Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 5:24 pm
Bless you Bill for your courage and grace. An example for us all.
Comment by Matt jones Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 5:28 pm
Bill Haine was an exceptional human being.
Comment by Blue Dog Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 5:35 pm
Just a wonderful guy. Really a highlight of my time in Springfield. His history lessons to the Criminal Law Committee were just great. I know it sounds lame, but Senator Haine could (and did) spread some hysterical wisdom on those awful Sunday committee hearings in late May. I’m honored to have known him.
Comment by Miso Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 5:47 pm
Bill Haine was a great man and will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Comment by Frumpy White Guy Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 6:16 pm
Very well said by President Harmon. Bill was a genuinely decent man with an amazing intellectual curiosity. I enjoyed every encounter I had with him. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family.
Comment by Murph Monday, Aug 16, 21 @ 8:10 pm
Senator Haine was one of the best! He truly cared about people and was fair in his dealings with everyone who came to him for help. What a great man who left a wonderful legacy. He will be dearly missed. Prayers for his family
Comment by Flexible One Tuesday, Aug 17, 21 @ 12:02 am
Truly a gentleman. May he resist in peace.
Comment by RIP Tuesday, Aug 17, 21 @ 8:55 am
== Rich, you might as well ban me from being on here, because I will never, ever utter anything nice about Bill Haine. ==
Then why in the (personal edit) did you even bother to open your mouth and comment here?
Comment by Osborne Smith III Tuesday, Aug 17, 21 @ 8:59 am
Senator Haine was a true statesman and a man of character and conviction. He was a mentor and a friend, and he will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Comment by Former Senate Staffer Tuesday, Aug 17, 21 @ 11:07 am