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in the news

Gerald Shea
The leader of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees announced that he will step down from that post December 31.

Illinois Issues, November 20, 2002

Nicholas Bua
The U.S. District judge whose ruling blocked Chicago and Cook County from hiring for political reasons died November 1.

Illinois Issues, November 20, 2002

TOP

News November 2002

 

Cross tapped to lead House GOP
Illinois House Republicans elected Rep. Tom Cross of Oswego to take over as GOP chief in that chamber. Cross, a deputy minority leader, in January will replace Lee Daniels as House Republican leader. Daniels, who has been House Republican leader for two decades, opted not to seek that post again. Cross, a political protégé of U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, beat fellow deputy Art Tenhouse of Liberty.

Illinois Issues, November 20, 2002

Ryan fills slots
In the final months before George Ryans departs from the governor's mansion, staff members and board appointees have moved in, and out, of office at a rapid rate. For instance, Ryan handed Cynthia Panayotovich, the wife of a longtime political pal, a seven-year appointment to the Chicago Transit Authority board.

Illinois Issues, November 20, 2002

For more details:
Shifts at the top of the Ryan Administration

 

Thompson to advise Blagojevich
Illinois Gov.-Elect Rod Blagojevich named former GOP Gov. James R. Thompson as co-chair of his transition advisory board. Margaret Blackshere, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, is the other co-chair. Director of the Democrat's transition team is former Democratic National Committee head David Wilhelm.

Illinois Issues, November 20, 2002

For complete lists of the transition teams:
Blagojevich transition advisory board and team

 

Democrats nearly take it all
Illinois Democrats won most statewide executive offices. Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka was the lone Republican to win an executive post and Democrats will now hold a majority in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Illinois Issues, November 6, 2002