Report: Illinois Senate president Jones to retire this fall

Font Size:

By The Associated Press | Monday, August 18, 2008 11:56 AM CDT | () comments

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, conferring with fellow lawmakers while on the Senate floor during session at the Capitol in Springfieldl. A high-ranking state senator says Jones plans to retire this fall after November's legislative veto session. (AP Photo)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Emil Jones, an unabashedly Machine-bred Chicago politician who was one of Barack Obama’s first political mentors, is stepping down as Illinois Senate president, a high-ranking state senator confirmed Monday.

Sen. Rickey Hendon of Chicago told The Associated Press that Jones, who is about to turn 73, plans to step down after November’s legislative veto session.

Jones’ decision leaves a power vacuum in a state marked by discord among its Democratic leaders and means unpopular Gov. Rod Blagojevich is losing one of his most important political allies.

It also means the state is losing one of its most powerful black politicians and a leading advocate for education reform.

The Illinois Senate president is well-known for sticking by Blagojevich. That includes siding with the Democratic governor in his most recent battle with another fellow Democrat, House Speaker Michael Madigan, over a stalled statewide construction program. Blagojevich’s office did not immediately comment Monday.

It’s Jones’ relationship with another Illinois Democrat that might be the most politically important.

Jones had a big hand in Obama’s 2004 U.S. Senate win by introducing the then little-known Obama to the right people and letting him handle some important legislation to help raise his political profile.

Jones’ office did not return multiple messages seeking comment Monday.

Hendon said Jones isn’t retiring because of health problems. Jones, who has spent more than 30 years in the Illinois Legislature, is about to turn 73 and is ready to move on, Hendon said.

In many ways, Jones has kept up the traditions of old-school politicians. During his years in the General Assembly, he has steered state money to a few favored institutions, including some that employ his relatives. Some of his relatives also have gotten state jobs and his wife’s government salary got a sizable boost after he became Senate president in 2003.

Jones also has played an important role in blocking ethics legislation in Illinois.

Hendon, a fellow Chicago Democrat and one of Jones’ top Senate deputies, said he is interested replacing the retiring Jones.

The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times report Jones planned an official announcement as early as Monday.

Report: Illinois Senate president Jones to retire this fall

EARLIER STORY: CHICAGO — A high-ranking state senator says Illinois Senate President Emil Jones plans to retire this fall.

Senator Rickey Hendon tells The Associated Press that Jones has told him he’ll step down after November’s legislative veto session.

Hendon says Jones isn’t retiring because of health problems. He says Jones has spent more than 30 years in the Illinois Legislature, is about to turn 73 and is ready to move on.

Hendon is one of Jones’ top deputies. The Chicago Democrat says he’s interested replacing Jones as Senate president.

Jones has run the Senate since 2003. He’s been a strong supporter of Governor Rod Blagojevich amid the feuding and gridlock in Springfield.

The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times report Jones plans an official announcement as early as tonday.