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* UPDATED x2 - Done * Essentially a done deal in Murphy replacement

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* Rolling Meadows Mayor Tom Rooney basically now has a lock on replacing former Sen. Matt Murphy, who officially submitted his resignation today. The last remaining major candidate, Palatine Township Republican Committeeman Aaron Del Mar, has dropped out and endorsed Rooney. From Del Mar…

For those of us who believe in reform and know change is desperately needed in Springfield, nothing is more important than a strong, unified Republican Party. That is why today I am withdrawing from consideration for the Senate seat in the 27th district and endorsing Tom Rooney. Tom has been an effective, reform-oriented mayor in Rolling Meadows and I’m confident he will bring the same type of leadership to Springfield. I look forward to continuing to serve at the local level.

The vote was likely going against Del Mar anyway, but this all but seals the deal.

*** UPDATE 1 *** This is a nice gesture for a retiring member…

Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno announced today the appointment of Senator Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) as Deputy Minority Leader. Radogno made her announcement as the resignation of Senator Matt Murphy, announced last month, became official on Thursday.

“I have had the privilege to know and work with Dave Luechtefeld for 20 years,” said Radogno. “Dave is a tireless fighter for the needs of southern Illinois, while also demonstrating his leadership skills and ability to see the state as a whole. Dave and I began our careers as freshman seatmates on the floor of the Illinois Senate. With this appointment, he will end his career as my seatmate.” Luechtefeld, who has served in the Illinois Senate since 1995, was previously serving in leadership as the Assistant Minority Leader.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Deputy Leader through the end of my term,” said Luechtefeld. “As Illinois continues to face many difficult challenges in the months ahead, I am hopeful that as Deputy Leader I can contribute in a new way in meeting those challenges.”

Today’s appointment takes effect immediately. The position carries no increase in salary. Luechtefeld is not a member of the General Assembly retirement system and will receive no General Assembly pension.

*** UPDATE 2 *** As expected…

Northwest suburban Republicans on Thursday chose Rolling Meadows Mayor Tom Rooney to replace departing state Sen. Matt Murphy, a move that came after a string of other candidates dropped out of the running.

Rooney, 48, says he’ll step down in the coming weeks from his village post as he transitions into representing the 27th Senate District, which includes parts of Palatine, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows and Inverness.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:34 pm

Comments

Rooney’s been practicing his “kick the can down the road” line all week.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:44 pm
Do we have a score on Brucie owned legislators?

Comment by d.p.gumby Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:50 pm
=Do we have a score on Brucie owned legislators?=

Uhhh, didn’t you get the memo? Bruce wasn’t involved! /s

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:54 pm
Good for Delmar, perhaps he is maturing shows his support for the leadership

Comment by none Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 3:59 pm
Nicely done, Leader Radogno.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:07 pm
“I have had the privilege to know and work with Dave Luechtefeld for 20 years,” said Radogno.

TERM LIMITS SENATOR?

Comment by HRC2016 Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:09 pm
Congratulations Coach.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:22 pm
I have known Sen. Dave going back over 50 years when he was a coach and teacher at a rival high school. I moved back to the county/district when he was appointed to replace Sen. Dunn.

Although we are of opposite parties,and at times had serious disagreements, he was always a gentleman and we could always have civil discourse.

Legislators of his competence and integrity are sorely lacking in the GA.

Congrats on this promotion late in his career and wishing him and Flo well in their retirement.

Comment by illini Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Congrats to the coach. He will be missed at 2nd and capitol.

Comment by Congrats Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:48 pm
The two most abused words in the English language:

“Reform,” on the Illinois level.

“Conservative,” on the national level.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 4:53 pm
Dave is a class act. He will be missed.

Comment by dr. reason a, goodwin Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 5:18 pm
Congrats Coach! Excellent public servant, Great leader and coach and an even better man. Enjoy your much deserved time with your bride and Herbie!

Comment by Kevin in Florida Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 6:22 pm
Congrats on the appointment of a good man. He’s replacing another good man, whose heart was always in the right place - focusing on what he honestly believed was the right thing for the people of Illinois. The state needs more people like Matt Murphy.

Comment by Anony Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 6:36 pm
Congrats to Coach, Good luck to Murphy and welcome Rooney. All three are genuinely good people and the public is (& will be) well served by their service.

Comment by Fan Thursday, Sep 15, 16 @ 8:37 pm
So another white suburban guy

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 7:56 am
Radogno & the rest of Republican/Tea Partyers only wants term limits for the Democratic party.

Comment by Mama Retired Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 9:14 am
Surprised that the press has not picked up on the fact that new State Senator Rooney’s full-time job is as a teacher at Leyden High School in Franklin Park. The school and his fellow union members have to be proud.

Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:22 am
“So another white suburban guy” from a suburban district populated by white suburban voters. What were you expecting?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 10:34 am
I first met Tom about 30 years ago as part of a government internship for high school/college aged folks interested in public service. Haven’t really interacted much since. Glad to see his enthusiasm then has not lessened and if he brings that optimistic energy to his service ahead, we will all be well served. Congrats and welcome, Tom!

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 11:17 am
===“So another white suburban guy” from a suburban district populated by white suburban voters. What were you expecting?===

Hmm, let’s think…

(More than half of the Democratic legislators from these suburbs are women.)

Comment by walker Friday, Sep 16, 16 @ 11:44 am