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Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego won’t run for attorney general, saying Democrat Lisa Madigan’s re-election plans have changed the “dynamic” of the race.

Cross’ decision to stick to his job as the top GOP member of the state House likely puts to rest a race to succeed him that at one point included at least four suburban lawmakers. Madigan had been considering a run for Illinois governor.

“I remain committed to the Illinois House Republican Caucus to provide leadership and information regarding the tough issues we face in this state while continuing to raise money and recruit candidates for the upcoming election,” Cross said in a statement late Wednesday.

“When the attorney general was considering a career change, many people approached me to consider running for that position,” Cross said. “Obviously, that dynamic has changed. I will remain committed to serving as the leader of the House Republican caucus.”

The rules don’t allow for a coup, so he’s in until at least the end of his term.

Discuss.

*** UPDATE *** Ironically enough, Rep. Jim Durkin appeared with Cross at a Pat Quinn bill-signing event today. He said he’s still running for Leader.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:09 pm

Comments

Well, I for one am going to sleep easier …

Along with Speaker Madigan….

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:15 pm
Isn’t he really a great leader and a profile in courage?

Comment by just asking Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:22 pm
Official statement from Speaker Madigan’s spokesperson Steve Brown, ” Yayyyyyyy!!!”.

Comment by LittleLebowskiUrbanAchiever Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:29 pm
What does this mean for Dwight Kay’s bid to be Repubican Leader? They are different jobs right? So if I am reading this correctly Kay can still be the leader of the Repubicans?

Comment by Regent Wilson Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:33 pm
In other words…why take a serious butt whoopin’ if I don’t have to!

Comment by Stones Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:43 pm
A collective cheer of “oh, good, I guess” was heard across Illinois when Leader Cross made this announcement.

Comment by Nosmo King Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:46 pm
Durkin would be a good Leader. At least he would stop digging the hole deeper.

Comment by Nosmo King Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:55 pm
Now lets see if he can retain his position as minority leader, its going to be a tight race.

Comment by Denim Chicken Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:55 pm
– Ironically enough, Rep. Jim Durkin appeared with Cross at a Pat Quinn bill-signing event today. He said he’s still running for Leader. ==

Should make for a happy little caucus through January 15.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 12:59 pm
Cross’ complete mishandling of the announcement of his career plans have only served to put the Republican caucus at an even bigger disadvantage than they already are. I really can’t believe he continues to have the support of his caucus.

Comment by Big Time Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 1:10 pm
Can someone remind me what Republicans are running for Treasurer? Maybe Cross should make a run for that.

Comment by Just Me Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:31 pm
Cross is a very good person and legislative caucus leader.

On the other hand he’s not in Madigan’s league as a campaign and political operative.

Too bad these roles are so intertwined in Illinois.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:42 pm
Tom, how can we miss you if you won’t go away.

Comment by too obvious Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 2:58 pm
Call me a skeptic, but Cross has had a very difficult time raising money since this whole thing started a couple of months ago. I think this might be more about that than thinking he can actually remain leader in 2015.

Comment by Jaded Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 3:11 pm
It really doesnt matter who the GOP leader is. To have a Leader implies there is leadership, which there is not. They would be farther ahead if they just admitted they were too far behind to elect a leader and go to the golf couse. Which is what they will do anyway.

Comment by Madison Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 4:33 pm
I am surprised more people are not commenting on “Two-Putt”.

To the Post,

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 6:24 pm
I am surprised more people are not commenting on “Two-Putt”.

To the Post,

Durkin is going to run, Poe was going to run, but hasn’t said since Cross relased this statement, as far as I know, and Tom Cross… should NOT run for Leader again.

Cross obviously wants to move on, but just can’t because his options are limited.

There are fewer seats in the HGOP Caucus then when Tom Cross felt Lee A. Daniels stayed on the stage too long.

Tom Cross has put his Caucus so far behind, starting from scratch might mean being Un-Veto Proofed, and that is quite pathetic.

The HGOP Caucus is waking up to the fact Tom Cross has no answers. Read the quote. Irrelevent Leader Cross message is tired and rings hollow.

Tom Cross golfing on Election Day 2010 is all you need to know about Tom Cross and commitment to following through and winning, so why after flirting with AG, should the HGOP give him a “pass” under the guise of “career options”? The HGOP should not.

Tom Cross was looking for an Exit Strategy and come January 2015, the HGOP Caucus should give him one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 18, 13 @ 6:39 pm