Suburban Republicans hope to lead Senate GOP

As part of a sweeping leadership change in the state Senate, suburban Republicans are angling to head their party's struggling minority as downstate Sen. Frank Watson has announced he will not seek another term in the top post.

Senate Democrats also continue to search out a new leader for their veto-proof majority. Emil Jones Jr., a Chicago Democrat and the so-called political godfather of President-elect Barack Obama, is retiring from the Senate.

Many hope a switch in Senate leadership on both sides could lead to a break in the years-long logjam in Springfield. Jones was close to Gov. Rod Blagojevich and their rivalry with House Speaker Michael Madigan has contributed to the gridlock.

"That will help break a 4- or 5-year-old logjam if we are lucky," said state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican.

Dillard and state Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont are among the lawmakers floating their names to replace Watson as senate Republican leader. Both are likely to face a challenge from downstate Republicans looking to keep at least one of the state legislature's top posts in their corner.

New leaders will officially be elected early next year, but many expect unofficial selections to be made later this month.

Watson of Greenville suffered a stroke earlier this month that his spokeswoman says doctors have labeled "minor." Spokeswoman Patty Schuh said Watson is not seeking a fourth term in leadership in order to set aside time to recover and avoid undue stress.

Radogno is currently a deputy leader under Watson with 12 years in office. Dillard has 15 years under his belt and he served in the administrations of former governors Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar.

Leadership of the Republican caucus shifted to downstate control under Watson after Senate President James "Pate" Philip of Wood Dale announced his retirement in 2002 when the GOP lost its majority.