14 Comments - Because I Said So.... - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:01 am: This will be a big loss in the statehouse. Sen. McGuire really works to find compromise and do the right thing. One of the really good guys. - Peter Gunn - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:08 am: Larry Walsh moves up to Senate? another Walsh takes his spot at Rep? - 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:20 am: I’m going to miss Pat McGuire, and so is everyone else who cares about higher ed in Illinois. A really good guy, famously affable and a straight-shooter. - BC - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:25 am: == Pat knows more about music than just about anyone I know. == It’s a treat to call Pat’s cell phone and get his voicemail. His “leave a message” greeting is always preceded by a recording of a great guitar riff of an old blues song or classic rock tune. Easily one of the nicest and most thoughtful members of the GA. - DownStater - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:31 am: Oh man. Public higher ed is my arena and he has been a thoughtful advocate and (when appropriate) critic. He will be greatly missed. - Truthiness - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 10:59 am: Senator McGuire is honestly one of the nicest people I. Illinois, let alone Springfield. He is always interested in what you are up to, always knows someone you should talk to, always trying to find compromise on important issues. I wish he and his wife nothing but the best and thank them for their service to this state and the education system he worked tirelessly to improve. - Michelle Flaherty - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 11:27 am: He must have finally got enough Amtrak miles to be able to retire. Always great to run into him on the train. - Iggy - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 11:54 am: what a huge loss for the Senate. Pat is an incredible guy, it didn’t matter what your political affiliation was, he was always engaged and ready to work with you. Enjoy your retirement sir. - Concerned Observer - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 12:03 pm: My parents live at the intersection of a main road and a side street in Joliet. Their house has a prominent, and well-kept, corner garden/display. It’s the ideal place to put a political sign. Since they moved in 28 years ago they have allowed exactly two politicians to put a sign in the corner. Pat McGuire is one of them, all the way back to his time on the school board. I’m glad he’s leaving by his choice, and I sure hope to run into him around Will County at one event or another to tell him that in person. What a great guy and I’m proud he was my Senator for awhile (though I’ve since moved out of his specific district). - Rachel - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 12:07 pm: A lovely man and usually the voice of reason. Actually collected information before making up his mind. I wish him well but IL higher ed is really going to miss him. - Jeff - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 12:27 pm: I staffed Sen. McGuire during my Senate days, and he was a joy to be around, even if he usually completely rewrote everything I gave him. He was always willing to listen to me when I told him he was wrong about style elements. The man was a true bellcow. - Stones - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 12:50 pm: I agree with all the comments made here about Pat. Excellent guy. Illinois needs more like him. - Rick Bryant - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 2:30 pm: Say it ain’t so. Sen. McGuire is one of the best. We need more like him. Here’s to the next 15 months, the grand finale of his political career. Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World, Senator! - anon - Monday, Sep 23, 19 @ 3:30 pm: A true gentleman who always took time to listen, and who consistently sought to do the right thing. Simply being “nice” counts for a lot. Glad we will have you another year, Senator, but wish we had longer. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.