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* Press release…
State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement announcing his retirement from the Illinois Senate.
“I have chosen to retire from the Illinois Senate, effective at the end of my current term, which expires on January 10, 2023.
“I have now served in the Illinois House and Senate for twelve years. My oldest son was born during the final days of my first legislative session, which quickly taught me about the sacrifices that would burden my family as I chose to serve. Those who know me are well aware of the priority I have continually attempted to place on my family. However, my other obligations have only increased, bringing further sacrifices. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have also had the honor to work as a full-time attorney, an adjunct college professor, and more recently as a partner in a real estate company that has grown much faster than I could have hoped for.
“Kristin and I have been blessed with a growing family, and our children deserve more of my time, attention, and involvement. My children are at special ages when parental involvement is critical, and I owe them my best attempt to make them the priority they deserve to be. However, for too long, Kristin and our kids (Augie, 11; Wally, 9; and Lia, 5) have tolerated a father who has had more obligations than time. I want to now give them more of me and am looking forward to getting more of them. My mom, dad and brother have also supported me at every turn. Now is a chance for me to give them more of my time as well.
“At the same time, the wonderful people of the 53rd Senate District need a representative who can make them the priority they deserve to be. Representing central Illinois, first in the House and then in the Senate, has been an incredible honor and privilege which I have never taken for granted. During my time in office, I have had the opportunity to play a role in historic changes in our state. My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate. Solving problems legislatively, and just as importantly, working to address constituent issues, has given me an opportunity to prove that our government, as frustrating as it can be, can actually still work.
“Throughout my career in public service, Kristin and I have met countless individuals who have become and will remain our closest friends. I am especially grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, and to the incomparable staff on whom we all rely. Kristin and I will be forever blessed by the kindness and friendship shown by far too many people to name here.
“What’s next for me includes more time with my kids - fishing, outdoor activities, traveling, participating in their activities, shuttling them around, and hopefully avoiding many of the phone calls, meetings and conflicts that have too often pulled me away from my family.
“I am announcing my retirement now to give the Republican Party leadership in my district time to fill this vacancy so that a new Senator can be seated at the inauguration of the new 103rd General Assembly in January 2023. I am very excited for this next chapter of my life to begin, and I wish nothing but success for the next Senator to represent the 53rd District. May God bless Illinois.”
…Adding… Press release…
On December 5, State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) announced he will step down from the Illinois Senate at the completion of the 102nd General Assembly on January 10, 2023. Upon learning of Sen. Barickman’s decision to retire, Senate Republican Leader-Elect John Curran issued the following statement:
“I spoke with Senator Barickman and wished him the very best as he leaves the Illinois Senate after 12 years of distinguished service. The Senator has been an instrumental voice and advocate for the 53rd Senate District in Central Illinois.
“Senator Barickman has been a fierce advocate for his constituents on a variety of important issues and has always led with a respectful tone and a willingness to reach across the aisle and work collaboratively.
“As a father myself, I admire his commitment to his family and wish them tremendous happiness.”
…Adding… Press release…
In response to Senator Jason Barickman’s announcement that he is retiring from the Illinois Senate at the end of his current term, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued the following statement:
“While we’ve been colleagues since 2016, it wasn’t until the summer of 2017 that I really had the opportunity to get to know Senator Barickman as partners in negotiations over school funding reform. During those long days and nights, I observed firsthand just how privileged the state has been to have him in elected office.
“Senator Barickman possesses a unique mix of traits. When dealing with a legislative adversary, he is committed to his philosophical worldview while simultaneously being a reasonable voice with the ability to bargain. In committee and on the Senate floor, he is a strong debater while maintaining a collegial demeanor and the ability to further relationships across the aisle. Behind the scenes, he always looked for opportunities to selflessly advance the interests of the state while ensuring he was taking care of his constituents at home. He has a keen sense of the political dynamic in Illinois and knew where the Republican Party should be going so it could best serve the people.
“In short, Senator Barickman was never simply a politician, but a statesman. The Illinois Senate will miss his presence and his impact on our great state.”
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 10:49 am
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==“I am announcing my retirement now to give the Republican Party leadership in my district time to fill this vacancy so that a new Senator can be seated at the inauguration of the new 103rd General Assembly in January 2023.==
Instead of the voters of my district. Cripes
Comment by Former Downstater Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 10:56 am
another GOP Lobbyist?? omg
Comment by 10th ward Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 10:57 am
1. Good luck.
2. Despite the fact that I hate special elections, this is a situation in which we should have special elections. Republican leadership will now get to appoint an unelected individual to a full term in office. Especially now that there are municipal elections coming up in February and April. He knew this was coming but instead of deciding this last winter and allowing a primary and general election, he took the incumbent route, was elected without opposition and is now opting to retire to spend more time with his family.
Comment by Unionman Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 10:58 am
I get a sleazy feel from folks who retire immediately after reelection.
Comment by Big Dipper Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:00 am
Congrats and wish you the best you and your family Senator, life is too precious, and this is your time for you and the family
Comment by -LA Peer Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:00 am
=== My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate. Solving problems legislatively, and just as importantly, working to address constituent issues, has given me an opportunity to prove that our government, as frustrating as it can be, can actually still work.===
It should be rightly noted, however…
…as a legislator, Barickman voted continually and consistently to hurt Illinois’ most vulnerable and needy during the budget fight where Governor Rauner held a state hostage.
Barickman’s choices, while thoughtful, were thoughtful… to Rauner only… for that whole General Assembly.
There are so many likable folks in governing, the General Assembly, the statewides. Some of the most interesting, fun, people that you can enjoy outside the job(s), there’s no reason to think Barickman is not one who isn’t liked, who was never thought of badly by colleagues, someone who is one you would befriend.
As a legislator, for me, with all Raunerites, voting in concert with Ken Dunkin and elements that did not have the best interests of Illinois in mind… as a legislator whose switch is the measure… I wish Barickman well in his next chapter away from a voting switch… like all Raunerites. They can leave.
Good luck.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:01 am
ILGOP is entering a death spiral period. All the halfway decent politicians are fleeing, which will just make its problems worse.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:03 am
I have the same question that I have for Tim Butler: You obviously planned to step down once the votes were counted, so why did you run for re-election? I can’t think of anything more cynical.
Comment by Curious citizen Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:10 am
Those revolving door ethics provisions must be a lot more severe than the GOP ever let on.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:17 am
We all know why he ( and Tim Butler) ran for election unopposed and only stepped down after the election. It was because they cared more about keeping the seat in their party than allowing the voters to select their next representative. Just another way of showing who they thought they worked for. Obviously it wasn’t 100% of the people living in their district.
In this case, I don’t see how he will have any more time for his family than he does now. A full time job, a part time job, and a business partnership. He doesn’t think those will just expand to take more time?
Comment by thoughts matter Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:27 am
“another GOP Lobbyist?? omg”
Stereotypical reaction . Just spend 2 minutes looking up his BIO and you would realize he already has jobs outside ILGA…
“Currently, he is a partner at Fairlawn Capital, a real estate company, and is frequently an adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:31 am
=== adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University”===
As a legislator during the impasse, Jason Barickam continually and repeatedly voted to hurt higher education in Illinois, which included Illinois State University.
Good riddance to someone who, with their switch, voted to purposely hurt a place he felt was good for the state… to appease a political want of another… and hold hostage things like ISU.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:36 am
Jason is a caring and dedicated public servant who worked on the school funding reform and crossed lines to support things like cannabis and gay marriage when it was popular in in the GOP.
He’s not leaving to lobby.
And his district is overwhelmingly Republican so it would not be competitive in a general election. There will be a special election in 2 years as opposed to the full, 4-year term to which he was elected.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:44 am
** not popular in the GOP
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:44 am
==It was because they cared more about keeping the seat in their party than allowing the voters to select their next representative.==
Barickman’s district was never going D. The cynical Republicans don’t even trust their own voters to pick their next Senator.
My assessment of Sen. Barickman just dropped precipitously (as if it matters). While his performance during the Rauner years was disappointing, his willingness to cross the aisle on weed and same sex marriage gave me some hope that there were some reasonable folks on the R side. This move trumps all that.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:56 am
Dan Brady for State Senate #DraftDan
Comment by The Real Downstate Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 11:59 am
Manar/Turner ring a bell anyone? Tell me how that’s different.
Comment by Original Newt Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:04 pm
===#DraftDan ===
He doesn’t live in the district.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:20 pm
===Tell me how that’s different. ===
We don’t know what he’s gonna do yet, so there’s that.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:21 pm
Meh…. I wish him the best of luck in retirement, but I really don’t like it when politicos retire with so much of a term left, barring a major health issue or being tapped for a significant upgrade in their job.
All this does is basically invalidate his voters and sets up an undemocratic replacement and expensive special election.
If you have any doubt in your head if you want to complete a term, then don’t run for reelection! And that’s doubly true for if you’re not even sure if you want to start a term.
Comment by TJ Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:31 pm
I was not thrilled when I saw that after redistricting Barickman was going to be my senator. Now I am angry that he so cynically used the election just so he can make sure a crony get appointed in his stead.
Comment by G'Kar Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:35 pm
Good on him. By doing it this way we avoided a primary of “who can be the Trumpiest,” with the result being a Darren Bailey like clown in the Senate. Thank you, Jason!
Comment by Ryan Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:47 pm
=Tell me how that’s different.=
It’s not different, but the Republicans constantly complain about the revolving door but are more than happy to walk through it. It certainly aligns with their mantra, what is good for me is not good for thee.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:49 pm
Argh, response to Original Newt was me
Comment by Steve Rogers Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 12:50 pm
==My assessment of Sen. Barickman just dropped precipitously (as if it matters).==
I’m sure he’ll lose sleep over that opinion.
Comment by Uncle Rico Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 1:00 pm
Is this an Illinois-specific thing, or does this happen in other states too? Seems like ILGA members (and Chicago Alders) love to retire AFTER elections to that someone can appoint their replacement to get the benefit of incumbency, rather than letting voters decide.
Comment by Homebody Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 1:09 pm
=== Jason is a caring and dedicated public servant===
That is factually inaccurate.
For a whole General Assembly Jason Barickman purposely, deliberately, and completely voted for the purpose to hurt Illinois’ most vulnerable.
“I’m frustrated too but taking steps to reform Illinois is more important than a short term budget stalemate”
That was the goal.. and it lasted a whole GA…
Barickman can be, as a person, caring and dedicated… but those votes denying this state a budget for 2 years… they negate that description as a legislator.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 1:35 pm
Need the updated statistics on GOP tenure in the General Assembly. We’ve got to be under two full terms of experience in both chambers.
Comment by DuPage Dad Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 1:47 pm
“At the same time, the wonderful people of the 53rd Senate District need a representative who can make them the priority they deserve to be.”
That’s what Barickman was supposed to do.
Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 1:54 pm
May be he was expecting the Red Wave to bring more relevance to his caucus and not some plot to allow the party to pick the next senator./s
Comment by Annon3 Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 2:08 pm
==Need the updated statistics on GOP tenure in the General Assembly. We’ve got to be under two full terms of experience in both chambers==
Def dont need any term limits
Comment by low level Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 2:12 pm
So Jason is copying a Chicago machine style move. I just love how these Republicans show us how reform and good government should work by setting good examples … /s
Comment by low level Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 2:39 pm
==Tell me how that’s different.==
Manar resigned like 3 years after his last election, not 3 weeks.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 3:17 pm
Fair enough critique of his votes during the Rauner years. However- Barickman was also one of the few pragmatic and intentional members of the sgop that IL desperately needs to keep.
Led the way for the entire gop on evidence based funding for schools (only for Manar to get credit at the last moment) and led the way on recreational cannabis.
This is a loss for the State of IL
Comment by Central Illinois Centrist Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:15 pm
===This is a loss for the State of IL===
It’s not, really.
The social services that were closed, the programs halted, the universities that suffered with cuts.
Those are losses for Illinois.
This is a legislator now leaving who’d like all that to be glossed over.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:22 pm
Oswego Willy-
Would you prefer the H or the Sgop be made up of Jason Barickmans or Darren Baileys and his Eastern Bloc ilk?
Again your critiques (of all gop of the time) are fair but play with the cards you are dealt, and to say Jason was not amongst the best cards in a terrible hand known as the current IL GOP is just silly
Comment by Central Illinois Centrist Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:31 pm
===Would you prefer===
The reality is during the impasse, Jason Bairckmam and the GOP had the voting equivalence of Ken Dunkin.
Take the names off, put up the budget votes, then compare.
You can like him fine, nice enough guy, however you’d like to go, that’s not in dispute.
This idea that “well, he/she is the best of”…
Nope. Sorry.
They all also ran proud of causing all the dysfunctional.
None apologized, none saw it as wrong after.
This glossing over of “legislative” good… nope, when it mattered.
Why aren’t those leaving touting all that Rauner destruction now as they are leaving?
We have those like a Greg Harris who can be proud of the career he’s leaving, but this…
===During my time in office, I have had the opportunity to play a role in historic changes in our state. My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate.===
That’s utter nonsense in the context of the two years Barickman helped Rauner, hurting Illinois’ most in need and vulnerable…
And this too…
===an adjunct college professor===
… while hurting higher education during those years too
You wanna know why I won’t “let it go” or “realize he/she are a loss for…”, it’s because the utter phoniness of glossing over real measurable damage that was done, purposeful to hurt all these things that are now claimed as “values as a legislator” shouldn’t be ignored.
Quietly leave or regret those two years in the same passion one wants to be seen as such the champion.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:43 pm
Oswego Willy-
Fair enough. For those impacted or doors closed by the impasse there is no forgiveness or recognition for ‘the best of’ type argument and I can acknowledge that.
However- when I look at the current IL (and National) gop– I will continue to wish desperately that the party were made up of more Jason Barickmans that were willing to have an independent and pragmatic viewpoint and not the disastrous, disgusting, not even enough negative adjectives to describe- direction the party continues to tread.
Amongst the best card in a terrible hand.
Comment by Central Illinois Centrist Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:52 pm
I’m waiting for OW to run for office. Republicans need his fortitude and wisdom.
Comment by Spooky32 Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 4:57 pm
===to run for office===
I can’t even get Tom Cross to meet me for golf…
The GOP in Illinois wants nothing that I could see, nor do I see Bailey’s GOP as something I even identify as.
The only reason I’m even going down this driveby slam of a take towards me is prolly why I feel as I do when Raunerites leave;
The GOP here in Illinois since 2011 has lost its way and the national GOP further stained the brand that Rauner “bankrupted” in any measure you’d prefer to examine.
I couldn’t help them on all of our bests days, nor could one person do such a thing, let alone me… and this party as constituted, which I don’t identify… they don’t want “me” as a voter let alone in their party thoughts.
So… it’s a fun lil giggle.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 5:04 pm
===However===
There can’t be a “however” if the first part of what you think is true… is true
You are choosing to gloss over such negligence as a legislator for an entire GA… why in the world would I want “another” like him/her that will hurt Illinois for an unpopular policy that can’t pass even after ruining so much?
Think on this;
Rich is raising monies for LSSI. That’s incredibly admirable and it speaks loudly to Rich’s big heart and caring for LSSI and the programs LSSI supports.
During the impasse, the monies raised were needed even more because of legislators like Barickman.
That’s real.
===During my time in office, I have had the opportunity to play a role in historic changes in our state. My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate.===
Yeah, that’s not real.
With respect, bud.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Dec 5, 22 @ 5:10 pm