Dillard Steps Down From Illinois Senate To Chair RTA
From the Associated Press
Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard, who made two attempts at Illinois governor, officially resigned from the Legislature after more than two decades in office to become chairman of the Chicago-area’s Regional Transportation Authority, Senate Republican officials announced Monday.
The Hinsdale lawmaker, who first took office in 1993, also served as chief of staff to former Gov. Jim Edgar, a fact he often touted during his most recent gubernatorial bid. Despite heavy support from unions, Dillard lost the four-way GOP primary in March to businessman Bruce Rauner. He also lost a close 2010 gubernatorial GOP primary to state Sen. Bill Brady.
Dillard, 59, was an intern for Senate Republicans as soon as he graduated from Western Illinois University in 1977. He went to law school, later going on to work as a legislative director for former Gov. Jim Thompson. He was appointed to the Illinois Senate to fill a vacancy in 1993 and won election the following year.
“I was called to public service at a young age,” he said in a statement from Senate Republicans. “I respected the process and worked hard to honor the wishes of those who elected me and sent me to the General Assembly to work humbly on their behalf.”
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From the Associated Press
Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard, who made two attempts at Illinois governor, officially resigned from the Legislature after more than two decades in office to become chairman of the Chicago-area’s Regional Transportation Authority, Senate Republican officials announced Monday.
The Hinsdale lawmaker, who first took office in 1993, also served as chief of staff to former Gov. Jim Edgar, a fact he often touted during his most recent gubernatorial bid. Despite heavy support from unions, Dillard lost the four-way GOP primary in March to businessman Bruce Rauner. He also lost a close 2010 gubernatorial GOP primary to state Sen. Bill Brady.
Dillard, 59, was an intern for Senate Republicans as soon as he graduated from Western Illinois University in 1977. He went to law school, later going on to work as a legislative director for former Gov. Jim Thompson. He was appointed to the Illinois Senate to fill a vacancy in 1993 and won election the following year.
“I was called to public service at a young age,” he said in a statement from Senate Republicans. “I respected the process and worked hard to honor the wishes of those who elected me and sent me to the General Assembly to work humbly on their behalf.”
Read more in our daily News Update...