* Press release…
State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) announced he will not seek reelection today.
“Serving the citizens of Vermilion and Champaign Counties in the General Assembly has been a great honor. I’ve appreciated all the support from the constituents of the 104th and the partnerships we’ve built from my days as Vermilion County Board Chairman to my time in the State House. I feel lucky to have been part of a team that accomplished some good things over those years. My favorite part of the job was always helping constituents resolve some significant issues they needed help with. Those successes were largely due to my outstanding staff members who always worked as hard as possible. A special thank you to Tracie Petersak, Barb Nelson, and Marguerite Bailey for those efforts. I am announcing I will not seek reelection again for State Representative in 2024.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of my successes over the years. It really has been a humbling experience. It is time to focus on my family farm and spend more time with my wife and daughter. After all, there is so much more to life than politics.”
Marron’s retirement might give the Democrats a chance to compete, depending upon who wins the GOP primary.
…Adding… Leader McCombie…
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie released the following statement after Assistant House Republican Leader Mike Marron announced he will not be seeking reelection:
“Mike Marron is a reasonable and thoughtful voice in the General Assembly and for the residents he serves in central Illinois. He is a strong advocate for hardworking Illinoisans—and I join the many who will never forget his several-day demonstration outside the IDES offices, supporting constituents from his district and around the state through some of our hardest times. This is one of many examples of the true leadership he exemplifies. He has made his mark in our statehouse, and as my friend, I look forward to celebrating the great things he accomplishes in the years to come.”
* Meanwhile…
The next appointment to the state Senate will expose the strength of Chicago progressives vs. old-school pols.
State Rep. Lakesia Collins (9th), a progressive who heads the Illinois House Black Caucus, is talking to multiple people about running for the seat and is already lining up support from progressives, including the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU 73, Healthcare and Local 1 and some trade unions, too.
State Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams (10th) also wants to be appointed.
And get this: Williams is the son of Ald. and Vice Mayor Walter Burnett Jr., who in the Chicago way also sits on the Democratic committee that will appoint the new senator.
The 5th District Senate seat is opening up with the retirement of Sen. Patricia Van Pelt.
Forget conflict of interest: Burnett has the weighted vote, meaning his voice counts nearly double when the Democratic leaders gather to make the appointment. He told Playbook that “yes” he will be part of the selection process. Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) also has a strong voice on the committee.
Ald. Burnett has a quarter of the weighted vote.
…Adding… Agreed…
- Just Another Anon - Monday, Jul 31, 23 @ 12:11 pm:
I find it troubling when spouses and relatives get the appointment when their spouses or relatives are the ones casting the vote. Seems like something to be rectified in the statute.
- TNR - Monday, Jul 31, 23 @ 12:56 pm:
Wow, the weighted vote for the Van Pelt vacancy is distributed among 15 committeepeople. That might be a record. Waguespack could be the key again, just like he was in filling the Paciona-Zayas vacancy.
- James of Chicago - Thursday, Aug 3, 23 @ 1:20 pm:
Interesting. That’s for posting this.