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* UPDATED x1 - Rep. Bill Mitchell to retire * Two more?

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* Word’s getting out about this one…

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, will be making an announcement Thursday regarding his future in the Illinois General Assembly.

Mitchell, an Assistant Republican Leader in the Illinois House, has represented his Central Illinois district since 1999.

Rep. Mitchell took huge heat when he voted to override the governor’s tax hike and budget vetoes last month. I’ll update this post when he makes an announcement.

Pretty sure we’ll be in double digits on retirees before too long.

*** UPDATE *** Confirmed…

Bill Mitchell, the Forsyth Republican who has represented Central Illinois for nearly 20 years, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2018.

“I can’t repay the people of Central Illinois what they’ve done for me, because they’ve allowed me to serve in a democratically elected body. For a citizen, there’s no greater honor,” said Mitchell, who represents the 101st House District and has served since 1999.

During a news conference in Clinton, Mitchell said he announced the move in August to give his potential successors plenty of time to start next month circulating petitions to get on the ballot.

…Adding… Rep. Mitchell’s press release is here.

…Adding More… Leader Durkin…

“I have been privileged to serve alongside Bill Mitchell since he first came to the Illinois General Assembly in 1999. He has always been a passionate advocate for downstate Illinois, standing up for the priorities and values of his constituents. Bill’s advocacy was instrumental in helping keep the Clinton nuclear power plant open. As a member of my leadership team, Bill continues to provide me with a perspective that is much needed in the Capitol. More importantly, Bill Mitchell is my friend and someone whose opinion I’ve always respected. I wish him all the best as he looks forward to a well-deserved retirement at the completion of his term.”

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* And perhaps another overrider…

Jeremy Yost, chief executive officer of Yost Enterprises and Yost Management Services, Inc., announced his candidacy for state representative of the 110th District on Thursday at the Lifespan Center, according to a press release.

A part of his platform includes not raising taxes, the release states. It stated that he spoke on “why raising taxes on the hard working people of Illinois is not the right path to get our state in the right direction.” […]

According to his website, Yost also is focused on business reforms and property tax reform. […]

The announcement of Yost’s candidacy came a day after incumbent Rep. Reggie Phillips told constituents at a budget forum that he would reveal more about his intentions on running for a third term in August.

When running for his second and current term, Phillips expressed that he’d hold to a two-term limit for himself, but that might have changed. Phillips acted more open to the idea of a third term this spring, noting that if he was needed he might stay.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:40 am

Comments

Some of these are just normal churn. People get older and they want to do somethimg else. But so many of these names represent a real loss to the institution.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:48 am
I hope the LRU has an adequate budget for the New Members Conference.

Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:49 am
So do the retiring overriders vote to override the SB1 veto just as a final “f u” to the Governor?

Comment by Fax Machine Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:54 am
On Durkin’s interview on WGN- He stated that he only needs to win back 9 seats, and he’ll be back in control of the House. With all of the retirements, that lift may be a bit harder and more expensive. Durkin is valuing those Rauner Bucks over his own members with the hope that he’ll be House Leader down the line. The R members who voted for the budget overrides are apparently turncoats who need to leave and leave soon. His own value does not increase with each one that leaves, it is really just making him more vulnerable. Senator Radogno recognized this, but I think Durkin refuses to see anything but his own ambition and to h#!! with the consequences to the State of Illinois and the people of this state.
https://tinyurl.com/y7r2z9gg

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:58 am
Dropping like flies hit to White Sox outfielders. heh.

Comment by Julian's Melange Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 9:59 am
This Governor has been really good for term limits! /s

Comment by Sideline Watcher Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:01 am
VM said it best. What is it lately with candidates speaking to our baser instincts? Is Yost saying we should “skip out” on our 15 billion dollar debt?

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:01 am
The harsh reality of the difference between campaign talking points and having to make choices that can help or hurt your district, is making the job not so much fun for some members.

Mitchell has a great understanding of the process and would be a loss.

Phillips seem to be caught between understanding he can stick to the talking points and watch EIU and his human service providers go under, or actually take some tough votes that protect his district. Mr. Yost if elected, will learn the same.

Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:04 am
So is it still cool to renege on contracts for term limits? Or do the deadbeats need a new phony excuse?

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:08 am
When Mr. Yost announced his campaign on Facebook recently, stating his opposition to taxes, the announcement was accompanied by a picture of him and his family . . .taken on the campus of EIU.

Comment by Disgusted Downstate Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:10 am
I have always liked Mitchell, he’s my Rep, and I’ve spoken to him a couple times. He always appears open and receptive to constituents’ problems, complaints, or recommendations.

I do think this would be a big lose for his area of representation. He seems to really want what he thinks is best for the state and his portion of it.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:16 am
Any downstate republican house members that announce plans to retire will vote to override the AV of SB1. Thats a vote for their district. Republican downstate members will also feel pressure to vote to override for the same reason. Since Bellock’s district may do better under the AV, she will likely not vote on the override. SB1 will become the law of the land, further alienating our do nothing governor. What a sad governor he has turned out to be. A real failure to lead.

Comment by anon Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:22 am
SB 1 is a terrible bill for Bellock’s DuPage County

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:27 am
Great Republican analysis here, as always. /s.

Thi situation is not akin to Bellock or Wheeler. This is like Hays and Pritchard. These two, and other Republicans who broke rank and broke trust, are being held accountable for raising taxes right now. Go look at their social media or read the reactions in their local media. They are being totally villified. In sum, Mitchell and others won’t want to endure a completely misreable re-election fight. The oppos research on Phillips on taxes would be a gold mine. He’s toast if he runs.

Republicans who raise taxes after saying they’d never do that tend to be in for the political fight of their lives. Most will bow out rather than take on that fight … and likely lose.

Comment by Deft Wing Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:35 am
Hated his make Chicago a separate state nonsense, appreciated his willingness to take the tough budget vote.

Comment by OurMagician Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 10:43 am
I rarely agreed with Mitchell on anything, but I do applaud him for standing up for the People of Illinois on the budget votes. I hope he will also do the same if SB 1 needs to be overridden. Enjoy your retirement Bill.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 12:08 pm
With all the retirements it makes me think. What would Rauner run on if Madigan decided to call it quits?

Comment by Person 8 Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 12:16 pm
Those in harm’s way due to their voting to raise taxes depsite numerous public promises not to do so are, from the House: Andersson, Bryant, Cavaletto, Davidsmeyer, Fortner, Hammond, D. Harris, Hays, Jimenez, B. Mitchell, Meier, Phillips, Pritchard, Reis, & Unes. And from the Senate: Righter

Hays, Pritchard & Mitchell are now out. A good number more of the above will also drop out rather than face a harrowing re-election fight that they will probably lose.

Comment by Deft Wing Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 12:30 pm
So will Yost also take Phillips’ place as Mr. Right To Work in the Illinois house?

Comment by 110th district Thursday, Aug 3, 17 @ 8:37 pm