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Republican leader: Ron Sandack will be missed

The Illinois House Republican leader said Monday that Ron Sandack, the suburban lawmaker who resigned abruptly citing "cyber security issues," will be missed.

The sudden resignation of former state Rep. Sandack, a Downers Grove Republican, became effective Monday, according to a letter received by the Illinois secretary of state's office and other leaders.

And Sandack told the Chicago Tribune he had filed a report with the Downers Grove Police Department over fraudulent social media accounts that he says were set up in his name.

Officials at the department would not comment, telling media outlets to file public-records requests for any information, the Tribune reported.

"Ron Sandack is a dedicated and caring public servant. I want to thank him for his service to his constituents and the entire state of Illinois," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs said in a statement. "I wish him well in his future endeavors,"

"I spoke with Ron yesterday afternoon and respect his decision to resign," a separate message to lawmakers said. "I am grateful for the work he has done collectively on behalf of our caucus and for his constituents. He will be missed."

Sandack had become a vocal supporter of Gov. Bruce Rauner and a key member of the House Republicans, acting as a floor leader at the Capitol during hours of legislative debates.

"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of the 81st district for the past four years in Springfield," Sandack said in a statement over the weekend. "But after some cyber security issues arose, I began to re-evaluate my continued public service."

Sandack, a second-term member of the Illinois House, hasn't responded to requests for comment and hasn't elaborated further.

"I have always recognized there is no greater privilege than being a father and husband," his statement said. "My duties in Springfield has meant missing a lot of events in the lives of my children. I am no longer willing to miss important family events."

His resignation was a particular surprise because his profile has risen quickly among Illinois Republicans, becoming a prominent member of Durkin's team in Springfield.

His prolific tweeting raised his profile, too, so the disappearance of his Twitter accounts last week were a cause for questions that led to his resignation announcement over the weekend.

Last month, he appeared on a segment of the Daily Show about the Illinois budget war.

"Ron Sandack is an integral part of our leadership team," said state Rep. Ed Sullivan, a Mundelein Republican.

Sullivan decided not to run for re-election, at least partly because of actions of protesters at his home, and said Sandack made a personal decision to leave the House.

Local Republican officials will get to pick Sandack's replacement in the coming days.

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