WBGZ Radio 2/10/2021 |
By Cole Lauterbach - Illinois Radio Network
Illinois is one of only a handful of states where political leaders pick replacements for state lawmakers should they leave their post. On one hand, it’s saving taxpayers money on a special election that many other states conduct. On the other, it’s become so common that residents are calling it an abuse of political clout.
Two Illinois state senators were replaced by appointment Saturday. Springfield Ald. Doris Turner replaced Andy Manar, a Bunker Hill Democrat who took a position with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. On the same day, Michael Simmons, a former political aid to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and others, replaced Illinois Sen. Heather Steans, a northside Chicago Democrat who resigned five days after being re-elected. Steans said she decided to care for her mother who is ailing from Alzheimer’s disease.