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Martwick to the Senate, Mayor Stephens to the House

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Illinois

The Northwest Side game of political thrones continues as Robert Martwick switches from the 19th Illinois House District seat to the 10th Illinois Senate District chair while Rosemont mayor Brad Stephens will likely be the new representative of the 20th House District.

Furthermore, 45th Ward Democratic committeeman and former alderman John Arena reportedly is being considered as Martwick’s possible replacement for the state representative job, and Stephens is in line to replace the recently retired state Representative Michael McAuliffe.

Martwick replaces state Senator John Mulroe, who was recently appointed a Cook County judge.

Martwick was sworn in as a new senator during a June 28 ceremony at the Roden Library, 6083 N. Northwest Hwy., after he secured most of the weighted vote from the area’s Democratic committeemen.

* There was some trouble. From the Journal & Topics…

Although several candidates seeking the position made their pitch before committeemen voted, the Journal learned the contest really came down to Martwick, who is also Chicago’s 38th Ward Democratic committeeman, and Tim Heneghan (Chicago D-41st). […]

Heneghan said at the start of Friday’s meeting: “I know most of you were invited for a swearing in, but there is a process.” He then turned the gavel over to the committeeman with the next most weighted vote, 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman John Arena, who ran the remainder of the meeting. Heneghan later told the Journal he turned the meeting over to Arena because he felt it was “a sham.” […]

In the end, Maine Township Democratic Committeeman Laura Murphy and Heneghan said Barrett Pedersen, Laura Murphy and 29th Ward Committeeman Chris Taliaferrio were ready to stand behind Heneghan, but 39th Ward Committeeman Robert Murphy was convinced to change his vote to support Martwick, which was enough to tip the scales in Martwick’s favor.

Heneghan said once he knew he did not have enough support, he removed himself from consideration and released his supporters from their obligation to vote for him. Heneghan said he voted for another candidate and Murphy said she abstained.

* Meanwhile, it was smooth sailing in the 20th House District. Tribune…

Local Republican leaders met Saturday to name Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens to a House seat vacated by Michael McAuliffe, who had been the lone GOP state lawmaker from Chicago. McAuliffe retired June 17 after 23 years in the legislature. His father, Roger McAuliffe, held the seat for 23 years before that. Stephens, the son of longtime Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens, was sworn in by Mulroe. […]

Stephens, who will represent roughly the western half of Martwick’s Senate district, said he already has good working relationships with the new senator and other lawmakers.

“Over the past 12 years as the mayor, I’ve made several trips to the Capitol to forge relationships with members on both sides of the aisle,” Stephens said. He said believes he’ll be able to find common ground on some issues with the Democrats who control the legislature. […]

Stephens said he also plans to seek a full term in 2020, but Democrats will likely have their eyes on the seat as well. Though McAuliffe ran unopposed last year, his reelection race against Democrat Merry Marwig in 2016 was one of the most expensive state legislative campaigns in the country.

“We will do whatever it takes to win,” Stephens said.

posted by Rich Miller
Saturday, Jun 29, 19 @ 12:42 pm

Comments

I don’t know if there is a better way to summarize how hypocritical the Illinois Republican Party is than this appointment.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 9:39 am
Arena was booted as 45th Ward Alderman because he had an agenda that voters didn’t support. If he sneaks in to Martwick’s old spot, that would be a slap in the face of single family homeowners who voted en masse for his opponent. I recommend a private sector job, if he can get one.

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 10:06 am
== If he sneaks in to Martwick’s old spot==
It’s called being appointed.

==that would be a slap in the face of single family homeowners who voted en masse for his opponent. ==
So Jim Gardiner has no worth other than not being Arena? Talk about a slap in the face. Poor Jim.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 10:45 am
@ThreeDimensional - Exactly. The whole thing is slimy.

Comment by Chicagonk Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 10:53 am
Can/Will Stephens remain as Mayor?

Comment by Groucho Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 11:41 am
Has Illinois “Policy” weighed in on the double-dipping?

Comment by Soccermom Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 11:42 am
I’m surprised Lightfoot didn’t intercede on the Martwick appointment. By some accounts it looks politically weak. (or magnanimous?)

God knows if the shoe were on the other foot Preckwinkle would’ve stopped that appointment in its tracks.

Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Jul 1, 19 @ 1:47 pm