Ill. Senate Democrats pick Cullerton as new leader
SPRINGFIELD _ Illinois Senate Democrats picked Chicagoan John Cullerton to become their leader, part of a shake-up Wednesday that could change the atmosphere at a statehouse crippled by feuds and rivalries.
While the Democratic majority selected Cullerton, putting him in line to become Senate president in January, Senate Republicans resolved a leadership battle of their own. They elected Christine Radogno of Lemont, making her the first woman to win one of the Legislature's top leadership posts.
Cullerton and Radogno will start their new jobs in January when a new General Assembly is sworn in.
It will be the first major changes in the Springfield cast of characters since 2003, when Gov. Rod Blagojevich took office and three of the four legislative leaders entered their current positions. Only House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, was already in place.
Democrats have a 37-22 majority in the Senate, so Cullerton should have the votes to be elected president.
Cullerton, from Chicago's North Side, has served in the Legislature since 1979, developing a reputation for handling complex legal issues. He was a leader in overhauling the state's death penalty system and in mandating seat belt use.
He is considered an ally of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and friendly with Madigan -- a sharp contrast with current President Emil Jones, who has clashed repeatedly with Madigan.
Cullerton, 60, defeated James Clayborne of Belleville on the second ballot, lawmakers said as they left a two-hour meeting behind closed doors. The second vote was unanimous.
Clayborne has been a lawmaker since 1995 and is best known for his work on electric rates and other utility issues.
Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said senators widely expect Clayborne to be named majority leader under Cullerton. But Cullerton did not make that announcement Wednesday, Jacobs said.
Relationships with other state officials are important in the race for Senate president because many senators feel Jones allied himself too closely with the governor. Several senators have said they want a president who will resist the influence of other state leaders, whether it's Blagojevich, Madigan or Daley.
Republicans had a leadership opening because current Minority Leader Frank Watson is stepping down from the post after suffering a stroke.
Radogno, 55, defeated Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale for the job. A spokeswoman said the final vote was unanimous but didn't know the caucus was divided in earlier votes.
Radogno is a moderate on social issues, supporting abortion access and gay rights. But her legislative focus has been on the state budget and she has become the top fiscal expert within the GOP caucus.
Dillard is the former GOP chairman in DuPage County, the unofficial heart of Republican Illinois. Although conservative, he comes from a background of compromise and dealmaking rather than rigid ideology.