GOP Leader Brady Resigning
Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) is resigning at the end of the day Thursday. He was ousted in November for Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods), who will officially assume the role as leader next week.
Senate Republican Leader and 2010 GOP nominee for Governor Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) is resigning effective 11:59 PM Thursday, according to a memo sent to Senators and staff Thursday morning.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Senate Republican Caucus and Staff
FROM: Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady
DATE: December 31, 2020
I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that I will be resigning my seat in the Illinois Senate effective at 11:59 PM, December 31, 2020.
I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career in the Illinois legislature, both in the Illinois House and the Senate, and most proud of my tenure leading the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus over the last three-and-a-half years.
Over the years, our caucus was successful in securing additional funding for our public schools; helping create a tax-credit private school scholarship program for low and middle-income students, standing up against incomes tax hikes that hurt working families, and working tirelessly to improve our state's crumbling infrastructure.
Illinois has much it can be proud of, and I am proud to have made a contribution during my time in office, and to have worked with each of you. I wish you all success as the 102nd General Assembly prepares to convene.
Brady's resignation likely has to do with pension benefits, as he would take a salary cut when he officially loses the leadership post.
UPDATED (3:39 PM):
Brady, 59, was one of the highest profile downstate Republicans and a three-time candidate for Governor. He captured the GOP nomination in 2010 and came within one percentage point of knocking off incumbent Governor Pat Quinn.
Brady served in the House from 1993-2001 after an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2000. He was appointed to an open Senate seat in 2002 and has served in the chamber since. He was elected Republican Leader in 2017 after Sen. Christine Radogno retired from the Senate.
Radogno says Brady was a great leader for the GOP.
“The state, the Senate Republican caucus, and Bloomington-Normal in particular have been sell served by Bill Brady’s representation,” she said. “He has many accomplishments to date and perhaps more to come. Most important of all, though, Bill is a genuinely kind and caring person who has served with distinction.”
Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), who shares most of McLean County with Brady, praised him for his service.
“He has been an important leader for our region, our state, and the Illinois Senate Republican caucus,” Barickman said.
One of Brady’s longtime colleagues, former Senator Kirk Dillard, faced off with Brady in two gubernatorial primaries. In 2010, Brady beat Dillard for the nomination by just 193 votes. Dillard called Brady “a class act.”
“Senator Brady served the state and Central Illinois well,” said Dillard. “He was a leading voice for business and job creators throughout his career in the legislature. Bill is a class act and he brought dignity and decorum to the Senate.”
Former Senator Matt Murphy called Brady a “good man and good friend.”
“Bill gave everything he had for almost 30 years to make his home state the best it can be,” Murphy said.
While not always the favorite Republican of those across the aisle, even being called racist by former Sen. Rickey Hendon in the heat of the 2010 campaign, Senate President Don Harmon praised Brady for his service.
“I will miss working with Leader Brady. He has proven time and again to be a results-driven lawmaker and leader,” said Harmon. “While we have our political differences, he always came to the negotiating table looking for common ground and success, not conflict.”
Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) says Brady may not be away from service long.
“Leader Brady leaves a legacy of being a man of integrity who fought hard to make Illinois a better place to live, work, and raise families,” he said. “He should be proud of all he accomplished especially knowing the obstacles he faced. I have a feeling, however, we have not seen the last of Bill Brady.”
The two Republican House members who represent Brady’s district are Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) and Rep. Keith Sommer (R-Morton). Sommer, who is 74, is not considered by many to be a likely candidate for the appointment. Another potentially interested local officeholder would be Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman. Tazewell County has the most weighted vote for picking a replacement. None of the three men have returned messages from The Illinoize.
