Veteran Lake County lawmaker looks back at career

SPRINGFIELD -- When the doors close today on the 95th General Assembly, Sen. William E. Peterson says he will leave Springfield for his Lake County home with no regrets.

"After 26 years, I felt I had done what I could and it's time for someone else to take up the gauntlet," said Peterson, a Long Grove Republican.

Peterson has represented the 26th Senate district since 1993. The district includes parts of Lake and McHenry counties and covers Barrington Hills, Prairie Grove, Round Lake, Libertyville and Mundelein.

Before the Senate, he'd served in the Illinois House since 1983. But even as Peterson leaves Springfield, he isn't giving up politics altogether.

Closer to home, he plans to run for re-election as Vernon Township supervisor in April.

Among the benefits of township government: "You certainly don't have to drive 200 miles to work," Peterson said.

Peterson points to a 2005 law allowing in-person early voting as one of his greatest legislative accomplishments. Peterson also sponsored laws offering tax credits for affordable housing and reforming the finances of the Round Lake school district.

Dan Duffy, a Lake Barrington Republican, won election to Peterson's seat in November. Peterson said he does not envy what Duffy will face in the 96th General Assembly.

"He's really going into uncharted waters with the impeachment of the governor," Peterson said. "It's a historic and monumental decision."

Peterson, an assistant Republican leader, has not made up his mind on whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be removed from office.

"I would want to come in to a trial with an open mind and hear the testimony," Peterson said.

Last May, Peterson voted for a constitutional amendment that would have allowed voters to recall state office holders, including the governor. The amendment fell three votes short of approval in the senate.

Peterson hopes Blagojevich will still resign.

In 2004, Peterson had the odd experience of squaring off against another Peterson in his re-election bid. Sen. Peterson defeated Nancy L. Peterson of Prairie Grove, 61 percent to 39 percent.

"My opponent was a very nice lady, but fortunately, I was out campaigning a little harder and I won," Peterson said.

Peterson said it has been an honor to represent constituents in his district for so long.

"I voted how I best felt served their interests," Peterson said.