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.
Credit Capitol News Illinois
Two new Democratic Senators were sworn in Saturday to fill vacancies in the Illinois General Assembly.
Doris Turner, a former Springfield city councilperson, and Mike Simmons, former policy director for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, are also the two newest members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
The two Democratic appointments to the Senate follow the recent selections of Adriane Johnson, Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Sally Turner to vacancies in the 30th, 20th and 44th Senate Districts, respectively. They’ve replaced retiring senators through appointments from party officials.
Mike Simmons
Simmons fills the vacancy left by former Sen. Heather Steans, who resigned at the end of January from her seat representing the 7th Senate District on Chicago’s north side.
In 2016, Barry Becker, a former alderman, was named as Jobe s replacement.
“I have known Senator Turner for decades, from her time of service on the County Board, City Council, and now as Senator for Springfield and Sangamon County, Langfelder said in the statement. Even though she is leaving her seat at the City Council, we look forward to continuing our work together on issues important to Springfield.”
Manar of Bunker Hill resigned his Senate seat on Jan. 17 to become a senior adviser to Gov. JB Pritzker.
Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said Turner has been a key leader on projects like the relocation of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, the 10th Street Rail Project and the formation of the Springfield/Sangamon Growth Alliance and the development of downtown campus facilities for the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University.
New Democratic state senators sworn in Democratic state Sens. Mike Simmons and Doris Turner
Updated 2/8/2021 3:54 PM
SPRINGFIELD Two new Democratic Senators were sworn in Saturday to fill vacancies in the Illinois General Assembly.
Doris Turner, a former Springfield City Council member, and Mike Simmons, former policy director for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, are also the two newest members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
The two Democratic appointments to the Senate follow the recent selections of Adriane Johnson, Cristina Pacione-Zayas and Sally Turner to vacancies in the 30th, 20th and 44th Senate Districts, respectively. They ve replaced retiring senators through appointments from party officials.
Quick Hits: Illinois News In Brief For Feb. 8, 2021 - Across Illinois, IL - The Illinois House Wednesday is set to return to the Illinois State Capitol for the first time in nearly a year.