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Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez says she won’t run again

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Illinois

* Another House Republican budget and tax hike veto overrider…

State Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez announces she will not seek re-election in 2018

This statement was released today:

It is an honor to serve as your state representative in my hometown and home county here in Illinois. My number one priority coming into office was to focus on the budget and to make sure we passed a balanced budget to help stabilize our economy here in Sangamon County and the state of Illinois. I was able to help accomplish that goal as well as help shepherd through reforms to our procurement system, pension system, and criminal justice system.

We have an open door policy in our office and have kept three principles in mind each day as we serve constituents in the 99th district: be grateful, be kind and help as many people as we can. We’ve been able to help a lot of people and I plan to continue those efforts as well as work to make our community a better place for the remainder of my term.

Every two years, members of the Illinois House must consider if they will run for another term. After thoughtful consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided that I will step aside after serving this term in the 100th General Assembly. I have been so humbled by my family, friends, staff members, and residents of the district who have supported my vision of government and believed in me to do what’s best for Illinois. I am proud of my service to Sangamon County for the last several years in the Illinois House of Representatives and on the Springfield Park District Board. Next year, there will be an opportunity for someone else to run and eventually serve in the Illinois House of Representatives. Until then, I look forward to continuing to work with my constituents and my colleagues to make progress on many important issues until the end of my term in January 2019.

Sara Wojcicki Jimenez

State Representative, 99th District

I’m kind of stunned about this.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:03 am

Comments

Wow… just wow…

Comment by Lakeview Dude Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:06 am
Rich - with respect I’m not stunned by this at all. I’ve known Sara and her family for a while. She seemed out of place and didn’t really seem to enjoy her time as a legislator or when campaigning. I think she was asked to take this on and agreed - and she was given the requisite help and had a good team behind her.

Comment by Curl of the Burl Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:08 am
Yeah, wow…

Comment by Whatever Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:08 am
Well, that was quick.

Comment by My New Handle Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:08 am
Not good…When a hand picked representative by the Governor says they won’t run again, something has gone wrong. This speaks volumes about the relationship between the Gov and his legislators as well as the political climate of Illinois…stunned.

Comment by Ambassador Abe Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:09 am
Perhaps she didn’t want to undergo that Proft gauntlet like Sen. McCann.

Comment by anon2 Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:11 am
It would be brutal for her, her husband, and her small children if she got primaried. Sorry, when she gets primaried. I can’t say that I blame her at all.

Comment by Nick Name Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:11 am
GOP should be very concerned about what they will be left with after the most reasonable among their ranks are deciding to leave.

Comment by Elliott Ness Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:12 am
In a recent interview, she looked like she was a bit beaten down. I’m sure Rauner has nothing to do with that, especially after the budget votes (s). She was one of the brave few who starting helping to right the ship of Illinois. Please don’t stop now. Help override the AV on SB1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OucUk6jhAUY

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:15 am
Most of the good public servants can’t take it anymore…what a loss for the people of IL…

Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:16 am
That BTW was snark about Rauner, BTW. The /s got left off.

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:17 am
To the Post,

Someone far brighter and smarter than me pointed out something that I haven’t forgotten.

To paraphrase…

Sara took a pay cut to take this job. She did it with small children at home and the visibility of where her district is and the issues Rauner is battling and some of her constituents see as not aligning with those issues.

That all said, when you do the right thing as she did, while taking that pay cut and getting ripped for helping her district because “others” put her there, with the pay cut and headache, what is the reason TO stay.

Dear Rep. Wojcicki-Jimenez,

I teased with my fake TV show, I called you out at times for things, I even highlighted your words to make a point.

However, where I learned your true character and honesty and love of state were your two votes, where I understood you most was your amazing floor speech you gave so those like me understand.

You are going to be missed because in your short tenure in the GA, and your time with this Administration, you became a voice of sincere reason when others used words like “betray”

Listening and watching you that day giving that speech, I felt the pain and the honesty of your words. I understood more about you and the struggles you faced doing good, and seeing the real destruction “to your hometown”. You were thoughtful, courageous, pure of heart, and managing sad and glad I’m voting as you did.

Thank you, Rep. Wojcicki-Jimenez.

I hope you truly know that I mean that thanks, and that I, along with Illinois, owe you more than the kind words of thanks.

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:18 am
Word is that Rauner recruited Mark, the sleeveless guy who yelled at Madigan, to run for the seat.

Comment by Grand Avenue Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:18 am
Here’s my pie in the sky hot take-

Does this make her a prime Democratic Lt Gov running mate candidate?

Biss? Kennedy?

Comment by Grand Avenue Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:20 am
I am starting to wish some of these folks would put up a fight.

Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:22 am
Wow

I guess Rauner is so happy that these republicans committed to overriding a budget that he secretly wanted that all of them are now resigning.

#sarcasm

Comment by Real Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:23 am
Wouldn’t it be great if all the GOP’ers who are not going to seek re-election decide to vote to override? Their legacy for caring about the citizens will far outweigh their allegiance to Rauner. Thank you Rep. Wojcicki-Jimenez

Comment by Honeybadger Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:24 am
I have always thought sara was smart, and a genuinely caring individual. I was disappointed to see her attach herself to rauner.

Notice there is no direct mention of politics in her statement–not process, people, or parties. Politics aint beanbag. Sad to lose decent people.

Comment by Langhorne Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:26 am
Not @ all surprised. Receiving death threats with 2 small kids at home is no picnic. Sara is a good person and her heart is in the right place. And now she can vote for SB 1.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:26 am
Not a big fan, but this shows the stress that folks are under trying to balance governing and politics - which requires big money.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:27 am
Maybe this will free her up to vote her conscience on SB1. This could be good for the state in the short run. If Rauner has a hand in picking her replacement, and I’m sure he will, it could be bad for the state in the long run.

Comment by PDJT Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:29 am
I think the following team would make the Guv race a tossup:
Radogno / Wojcicki-Jimenez
2018

Comment by Biker Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:30 am
Boy, kinda thought she was a rising star…

Comment by Flippy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:37 am
“Wouldn’t it be great if all the GOP’ers who are not going to seek re-election decide to vote to override?” Not saying you specifically Honeybadger, but I wonder how many out there feel that way, but then rail at lame-duck legislation.

Comment by Skeptic Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:37 am
Like rats from a sinking ship. apparently anyone who wants to do their job, is not welcome in the Rauner tent.

Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:42 am
She likely would have faced both a robust primary and general election challenge. That’s tough with a young family.

Comment by Roman Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:42 am
Tim. Tim Butler…..any words for Sara and her principled stand? Anything?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:44 am
@Skeptic and @Honeybadger - yes, I suspect this is what will happen. Countdown to next Wednesday …

The atmosphere among Republican GA members is clearly toxic now that you-know-who is in open control of the governor’s agenda - this doesn’t bode well for the 2018 primaries, where we can expect to find people who are the Illinois equivalent of the House Freedom Caucus nominated in many districts.

Very sad and quite alarming, frankly.

Comment by dbk Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:46 am
Also, officially half of the HGOP Overriders are now not running for re-elect:

Andersson
Fortner
Hays
Jimenez
Mitchell

Comment by Grand Avenue Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:48 am
It’s tough to be a Republican right now and Rauner can’t be totally blamed for that.

Comment by Politix Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:53 am
Rep Butler’s wife is on the state payroll. He will be loyal and silent.

Comment by Captain Ed Smith Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:55 am
Another wow…..I had taken back all the bad things I thought about her and had decided to cross over and vote for her as reward for her budget vote…..this is worrisome

Comment by Anotherretiree Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 11:57 am
Just As Well. Sarah Was To Meek And Weak For The Job.She Won’t Be Missed.

Comment by Shake Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:02 pm
I love the loose use of the term, “balanced budget”. Old Blue,RNUG and maybe even Word might need to travel to Springfield and teach these politicians what ‘balanced’ means. P.S. I wonder if Sara considers herself a conservative?

Comment by blue dog dem Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:07 pm
Springfield is a small town. Bumping into someone you recognize is fairly common. Quite a few union people live in town and just about all of them haven’t forgotten how they were represented by Rep. Jimenez. Now if only Timmy will “decide” to leave.

Comment by Steward As Well.... Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:12 pm
Never cared for her - she sold her soul to the “governor’s” agenda and facilitated the destruction of social services from November 2015 until she voted to override. I’m glad she made that vote but it doesn’t erase everything she did up until that day to destroy the social safety net. Nothing will.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:14 pm
Does this mean Bryce Benton gets a do over?

Comment by Karl Rove Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:15 pm
That’s too bad. I was coming around to supporting her as my rep, having finally been more or less convinced she wasn’t a wholly owned Rauner subsidiary. Good luck to her.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:18 pm
Who’s the bossiest boss in Springfield now?

Comment by walker Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:19 pm
Sara is an honorable, thoughtful public servant abd even though I did not always agree I never questioned that she came to her position after a great deal of thought. I want to thank her for her vote in the budget and her sercice to the state and her community.

Comment by Fool On The Hill Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Don’t forget, Sara started out as a Democrat…

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:24 pm
>Wouldn’t it be great if all the GOP’ers who are not going to seek re-election decide to vote to override?

I think the pipe dream I had a couple of years ago about a small group of Republicans in the House potentially having a lot of power could still be true. Rauner took a pass on incremental changes in Work Comp and other areas. Perhaps they could pick a few Republican priorities and see if they can accomplish some positive change for our state with their leverage combined with some bipartisan work.

Comment by Earnest Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:26 pm
Shake- totally incorrect

She showed strength, integrity, and courage to do what she just did.

Unlike your overtly misogynist comment.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:32 pm
The Democrats would be smart to move Marc Bell out of the way and run Kristin DiCenso for Sara’s seat. Just easily won her election to City Alderman, and is well-liked by locals on both sides.

Comment by Sang County Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:34 pm
=== Perhaps they could pick a few Republican priorities and see if they can accomplish some positive change for our state with their leverage combined with some bipartisan work. ===

That’s a most constructive suggestion. But do you think these retiring Republicans want to endure additional opprobrium sure to come their way if they worked with Dems to make marginal change in the GOP direction?

Comment by anon2 Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:35 pm
Didn’t see this coming. Best to Sara and her family.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:38 pm
===Don’t forget, Sara started out as a Democrat…===

Diana Rauner IS a “Democrat”

You’re welcome.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:38 pm
Dicenso is definitely the best choice for the Dems. Hard working, in-depth knowledge of state government and very tough. Tony Del Giorno and Bryce need to sit this one out.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:43 pm
Wouldn’t Rauner be pleased with the overriders deciding not to run? If they are strongly republican districts, is he not almost guaranteed a Raunerite seat come 2019?

Comment by don the legend Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:44 pm
Radogno and Andersson had the leadership skill to build onold line Republican bloc. They could have made Rauner irrelevant or even gotten rid of him.

Instead they individually walked away. Maybe Republicans simply cannot understand solidarity and collective action.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:46 pm
I will be more surprised at those of the twelve who stay. Each of them would be primaried with big money, and feel threatened in various ways. We’ll find out in early September when opponents surface bearing petitions.

Comment by walker Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:51 pm
Unlike DiCenso, I don’t see Bell having the support of the party behind him.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 12:52 pm
Oh great. I get a potentially great member of the House for my district and now I’ll probably have some Rauner/Proft zealot offered as a replacement.

I can’t help but think that Sara’s vote on the budget override made continuing as a member of the GA impossible and subjected her to diatribes from the second floor.

As I said, Sara had the potential of being a great legislator given more time. She will be missed.

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:03 pm
Honeybear? Whatever Makes You Feel Better.

Comment by Shake Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:04 pm
Bell would have to run against Sherer. He is not in Jemenez’s district. The party needs to back people like Mike Bell, he would be a clear voice for the people of his district. His credo would be do what is right for the people, and the State. We need statesmen, not yes men/women.

Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:09 pm
Bell lives in Chatham and would be best to run for Sheriff…IMO.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:21 pm
Grant Hammer for the R’s. You have your zealot.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:23 pm
“Rep Butler’s wife is on the state payroll. He will be loyal and silent.”
So is Rep. Jimenez’. In fact he got a big promotion right about the time she took a cut in pay to become a representative.

Comment by PDJT Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:25 pm
Oswego Willy,

Your post at 11:18 failed in that you did not mention that her husband received a hefty pay increase as she took her pay cut.

Comment by Eyes wide shut Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:33 pm
Any potential replacements waiting in the wings on the GOP side?

Comment by Wondering Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:33 pm
>But do you think these retiring Republicans want to endure additional opprobrium sure to come their way if they worked with Dems to make marginal change in the GOP direction?

Good question. Somehow I doubt it. It will sound strange, but I would love it if people were working for marginal change–this all-or-nothing stuff seems pretty useless to me.

Comment by Earnest Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:34 pm
I live in her district, voted against her and surprise when she started being her own person. I actually started to respect her. Too bad, we need more people like her

Comment by Rufus Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:36 pm
Retired educator bell lives in Chatham in the district

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:39 pm
===Your post at 11:18 failed in that you did not mention that her husband received a hefty pay increase as she took her pay cut.===

So it’s ok that She takes a cut and stature?

Hmm.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:43 pm
OW,
Apparently it was OK to take a cut in pay and stature, because she did it. It was a choice she made.

No one is saying she is a bad person, but she choose to enter politics and with the exception of recent votes, served as a rubber stamp for the governor.

Also, her husband didn’t just get a raise. He went from an Exec I (on the phone lines) to an Senior Public Service Administrator. That is compensation that will outlast her tenure in the legislature.

Comment by PDJT Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 1:55 pm
After Radogno, Andersson, Fortner, and now Jimenez I’m beginning to wonder exactly what they’ve been threatened with. This has to be bigger than the threat of being primaried.

Comment by Dome Gnome Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:01 pm
Also, Ronald Reagan started as a Democrat. Not sure he would be welcome in either party now.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:02 pm
Sara was one of the Chosen ones who was handed one position after another. She was a GOP sweetheart. She obviously knows people and she is not alone in that regard. She made one big mistake. She voted her conscience and voted with her district on the budget. God only knows the grief and threats she and other Rep. members got behind the scenes after that. In the end this decent human being thought that this wasn’t worth it. Best of luck in the future.

Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:03 pm
- PDJT -

Again,

We’re taking about her career, and she made the choice, but are ya dinging her for her own sacrifices by explaining “her husband”?

With respect, a personal sacrifice is still… personal

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:06 pm
anonymous—Mike Bell lives in Edinburg and ran against Sherer three years ago. Perhaps your thinking of another Bell. I don’t know the one from Chatham.

Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:12 pm
Marc Bell from Chatham is a retired ISP Master Sergeant.
Not impressed.

Comment by dray Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:23 pm
Example: 23-5=12+6

You are saying look at the left side of the equation, it’s less, see the sacrifice.

All I’m saying is that you have to look at the entire equation to gauge the level of sacrifice.

Comment by PDJT Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:37 pm
Agree on DiCenzo to run as a Dem for the seat.

Worked with at her at IDNR.

One smart, savvy woman…

Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 2:46 pm
- PDJT -

You don’t take career backtracks in account.

The pay cut was a measure too of taking a step back.

Your equation… didn’t factor that in…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 3:03 pm
Springfield had two GOP Alderman that fought back taxes in Redpath and Hanauer. Both could be in the mix it will be interesting to see who comes out of the woodwork for this.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 3:11 pm
Redpath already lost a primary for State Rep against….Sam Cahnnan. That one stung. Pretty sure Chuck would rather be Mayor.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 3:17 pm
Nathan Hoffman for the R’s. It would be a continuance of the wave of young Republicans (Bourne, Olsen, Welter, etc.) who have made it into the statehouse.

Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 3:28 pm
I think the following team would make the Guv race a tossup:
Radogno / Wojcicki-Jimenez
2018

Republican dream team. Would love to see that ticket in the primary.

Comment by Cardsfan Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 3:54 pm
Ralph Hanauer is my alderman. I don’t think he’s interested in State office.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Aug 18, 17 @ 4:10 pm