Curran Set to Depose McConchie as Senate GOP Leader
Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove) appears to have orchestrated a takeover of the Senate Republican caucus, seemingly having the votes to depose Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).
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It appears Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is out.
At least 13 incoming Senate Republicans have signed a letter showing their support for Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove).
There will either be 19 or 20 Senate Republicans in the next General Assembly (the 19th district between Patrick Sheehan and embattled Sen. Mike Hastings is separated by just 340 votes).
Among those defecting from McConchie appear to be his Deputy Republican Leader, Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) as well as Erica Conway Harriss and Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), who McConchie just helped raise millions for to get them across the finish line in close races.
The takeover was widely orchestrated by a group of conservatives backing Curran, who is a moderate. They’re all defecting to support a Leader less conservative (and less representative of many of their solidly red districts).
Neither Curran or McConchie returned a call from The Illinoize Thursday.
Here are the 13 names who signed the letter:
Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove)
Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia)
Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville)
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield)
Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris)
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)
Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy)
Sen. Win Stoller (R-East Peoria)
Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg)
Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason)
Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), who is entering in the next GA
Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), who is entering in the next GA
Erica Conway Harriss, entering in the next GA