Radogno proposal would limit governor to two terms
SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Christine Radogno has introduced a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would limit members of the state's executive branch to two terms.
The state Senate Republican leader is introducing the proposal just ahead of the May 5 deadline for Constitutional amendments. For the amendment to go on the ballot, both the House and Senate would have to approve by the deadline.
“It is entirely feasible to pass this measure prior to the May 5 deadline,” the Lemont Republican said in a statement. “It would just require a commitment from leaders in the House and Senate to usher it through the process as expediently as possible.”
The executive branch includes the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general comptroller and treasurer. There are no term limits for any of these offices now.
Radogno could face an uphill battle to get approval from the Democrat-controlled legislature. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has no opinion on the proposal yet, spokesman Steve Brown said.
State Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, the House Republican leader, gave it his backing.
“The power of incumbency is particularly strong for those holding top executive positions like the governor,” Durkin said in a statement. “Term limits will bring fresh perspectives to these offices and will make elections for these offices more competitive.”
The proposal comes on the heels of a citizen initiative led by GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner, who is pushing for an eight-year limit for members of the legislature.