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Top Illinois Senate Republican to Resign

senatorradogno.org
Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno

Senator Christine Radogno, the Senate Republican Leader in Illinois, has announced she is leaving office this weekend.  She's been in the Illinois Senate since 1997.  She is from LaGrange and represents the 41st District.

Radogno issued the following statement:

“It truly is an honor to represent the 41st Senate District and my Republican colleagues in the Illinois Senate. 

I have done the job to the very best of my ability and always with the needs of the state and my constituents in mind. I am proud of my legislative accomplishments – none of which were achieved alone. I have always appreciated the support, advice and counsel of my colleagues in both parties, staff and family. 

I have particularly enjoyed my friendship and working relationship with Senate President John Cullerton that began the day we were chosen as Leaders of our respective caucuses.

However, I believe it’s time for a new Senate Republican leader.

I have done everything I can do to resolve the state’s budget crisis. I will continue to do so for the coming days. But if the solution will not come on my watch, I hope and pray that the Governor, other legislative leaders, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate and House can find a path to solve the state's problems.

Though I leave political office with a sense of sadness and some disappointment, I leave with no regrets. I did my best – that’s all I could do. It has been a privilege to serve. But now I am looking forward to returning to private life and spending time with my family, especially my five grandchildren.

Effective close of business on July 1, 2017 – the start of the new fiscal year – I intend to resign my position as Senate Leader and Senator from the 41st District.

The Caucus has already begun executing the plan for a smooth, orderly and expeditious transition.”