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* Subscribers knew this would happen yesterday…
State Rep. Ron Stephens, the senior GOP member of the Illinois House of Representatives, said Monday he’s resigning for personal reasons.
“It’s something that I need to do for personal reasons,” said Stephens, a Greenville Republican. “I regret it that I’m not able to finish my term, but I am resigning.”
Stephens, whose term would have expired in January 2013, said he is submitting his resignation Tuesday. He has served 27 years in the House, representing parts of the metro-east. His 102nd House District covers all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, Effingham, Fayette and Shelby counties.
A pharmacist, Stephens in 2001 admitted publicly that he was addicted to painkillers. He said pain from a Vietnam War injury led to his addiction. In March 2010, he was cited for drunken driving in Decatur.
“No, it’s nothing to do with that. My life is very much in order,” Stephens said. “I just won’t be able to finish my term. Let’s leave it at that.”
* More…
Stephens, 63, has battled substance addiction problems in the past, but said in an interview that wasn’t what drove his decision. One factor, he said, was a new Democrat-drawn district map that puts him in the same district as fellow Republican Rep. John Cavaletto of Salem.
“That made the decision a little easier,” said Stephens. “I could run against Cavaletto, or run in the new district. Neither of those choices was palatable.”
The 27-year veteran of the House, a decorated Vietnam veteran-turned-pharmacist, Stephens has been a fervent conservative in a state where Republicans tend to be more moderate. He frequently gave voice to hard-right sentiments on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and taxes.
Stephens’ often abrasive personality means that some of you might want to kick him on his way out. Try to resist that temptation, please.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:03 am
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He’s a decorated Vietnam War vet who served this country proudly as a Marine. His son is a Marine who has served in Iraq. Stephens has had his faults like anyone else, but he’s always served the interests of the constituents in his district, where he was immensely popular.
Comment by East Sider Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:05 am
I agree with East Sider….lets look at the man’s life overall. He’s made mistakes, so what? we all have. He served our nation, never forget that.
Comment by 10th ward Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:13 am
For the record, being a veteran does not automatically give you immunity from criticism for being a hypocrite and a jackass. But since Rich has requested that we not kick a man on his way out, I’ll just leave it at that.
Comment by South of Sherman Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:22 am
Many may not know this, but Rep. Stephens was the driving force to establish the House’s memorial service for veterans — the service in which all of the names of the fallen veterans from Illinois over the past year are read aloud on the House floor. That will continue long after Rep. Stephens’ retirement. It is rare that a legislator is able to establish a legacy — as he has — in honoring IL veterans.
That’s what I’ll remember about Ron Stephens (aside from his abrasive wit).
Comment by unclesam Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:23 am
Fine, I won’t kick him, but this is long overdue.
The House Republicans just got marginally less dysfunctional with this news.
Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:23 am
I thank him for his service in the armed services. In IL politics…not so much. I hope he has a wonderful retirement.
Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:25 am
As a constituent of Stephens I’m not sorry to see him go. I wish him well, and hope his personal issue is not something tragic.
Comment by Highland, IL Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:28 am
I think his voice for conservative spending will be missed. If the legislature would have listened to his warnings on overspending the last ten years Illinois would be in much better fiscal and economic shape.
Comment by downstate hack Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:45 am
I hope for the best for him, but his departure raises questions. How is redistricting a personal reason that prevents him from finishing his term?
Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:54 am
Many years ago I was a junior House staffer sent to try to help Ron in one of his biannual slug-fests. He was a challenging candidate to work with. He could be frustrating on the stump or in Springfield and his personal issues didn’t make it any easier.
But he was in public life for all the right reasons. He cared deeply about his country and his community and wouldn’t stand by when he thought it was going in the wrong direction. And in my experience he treated staff better than most (which is always a good indicator.)
Comment by Adam Smith Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:56 am
I agree with just sayin. Its time. Im a constituent of Stephens. I will thank him for his military service.
Comment by vandalia Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 11:19 am
That Daily Show episode with Rep. Stephens and Rod, was likely one of America’s earliest experiences with Gov. “Is he kidding me”
Comment by Quacktastic Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 11:25 am
On Election Night ‘98 I was a newly-hired, part-time reporter for the Troy newspaper. I went to Stephens’ office, trying to get the final vote totals for that week’s edition. (This was before online really existed.)
What I got was a quick education in Illinois politics–Ron was on the phone for a few hours chastising some other Republicans up north. My favorite quote from that night: “I’m here eating a (fricking) Snickers and I had to give that SOB $5,000!?”
I covered him through the Build Illinois “user fee” projects—I lost track of how many $60,000 checks I watched him distribute. I was worried about him before he went to Betty Ford–his district office aid called me at deadline to wait because she had some news coming…I was shocked but not surprised. I left the paper before his other issues came into play.
Yet despite everything, he kept getting elected because…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 11:56 am
I have come across a handful of people who have faced substance abuse issues, one of them I personally had to drive against his will to rehab when I found him one evening and he couldn’t even remember his own name. Facing these demons is very hard, it must be even harder facing them in public. I’m willing to cut Ron a break, and thank him for his service. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy. His dedication towards our military families is/was unwavering, and that should be his legacy.
Comment by Not a Newcomer Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 12:10 pm
He was brazen on the floor, could be downright rude at times. But I’ve also had meetings with him where he was very compassionate and would try and do anything to help. I thank him for his years of service in the military and for his public service in the Illinois House.
Comment by Leroy Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 12:45 pm
Rhetoric on the floor will be less hyperbolic and partisan without Ron.
Comment by reformer Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 2:24 pm
This man was one of the best for many years. He did care more about this state and people than anyone. Some of you judged before, and are judging now, a man you truly know nothing about. His service was sincere both as a Veteran and as a public servant. Thank you Ron!!!
Comment by Who Knew Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 2:49 pm
A man without faults is no man at all. It has been a privledge to know Ron Stephens as a Representative and being able to consider him a friend. Although our opinions have differed, I continue to have respect for knowing without a doubt where Ron stands, even when we disagree.
Comment by Matt Forcun Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 4:20 pm
Ron Stephens served his country and in the House admirably and with honor. Narrow-minded folks will point to the challenges he faced (and overcame) while ignoring all of the great work he tirelessly undertook on behalf of his country and constituents. His work on behalf of veterans, to create jobs, and in support of his district have cemented his legacy.
Comment by Jeb Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 4:28 pm
When I was a kid reporter under the dome, my go-to goombahs for bill analysis or whatever other inside paper I could get my hands on were Dennis Hastert, Al Ronan, Wyvetter Younge and Ron Stephens. That’s quite a Murderer’s Row.
You don’t owe anyone any reasons for retiring. Here’s to a full life, the sunny slopes of long ago and happy trails ahead. Salud.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 9:23 pm
Adam Smith…I think those were bi-ennial slugfests not bi-annual.
Comment by farfrompuken Tuesday, Aug 2, 11 @ 10:28 pm