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Rauner hires former Biggert aide, Mitch Daniels' attorney

Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has named a chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert as his go-to in Washington, D.C.

Kathy Lydon was the Hinsdale Republican's top staff member for 14 years, Rauner's team says.

"Kathy already has relationships with our Congressional delegation and knows how to navigate the federal government as well as anyone in Illinois," Rauner said in a statement.

Biggert served in Congress from the old suburban 13th District for 14 years before losing a bid for the new 11th District to Democrat Bill Foster in 2012.

Rauner also said his general counsel will be Jason Barclay, who previously worked for former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican Rauner has said he'd like to model his administration after.

Rauner said Barclay focused on getting Daniels' agenda implemented. Daniels sometimes used executive orders to get things done in Indiana.

Why do Illinois Republicans look to Indiana's Daniels?

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