SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Illinois Senate Democrats picked Chicagoan John Cullerton to become the next Senate president, replacing retiring Chicago leader Emil Jones, part of a shake-up that could change the atmosphere at a statehouse crippled by feuds and ri
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Illinois Senate Democrats picked Chicagoan John Cullerton to become the next Senate president, replacing retiring Chicago leader Emil Jones, part of a shake-up that could change the atmosphere at a statehouse crippled by feuds and rivalries. While the Democratic majority selected Cullerton, 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. "My whole goal and one of the reasons I wanted to run was to get out of this gridlock that we have," Cullerton said, adding that his top priority will be passing a statewide construction program. Cullerton and Radogno will start their new jobs in January when a new General Assembly is sworn in. With Democrats holding a 37-22 majority, Cullerton’s election as Senate president should be a formality. The new Senate leaders represent 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. 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. 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. Cullerton, who lives just blocks from the governor, said he would try to improve the relationship between Blagojevich and Madigan. "If I can get the speaker and the governor together, then I’m going to go to the Middle East and solve that crisis," he joked. ______ Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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