UPDATED: Democratic Rep. Walker wins Senate Appointment over Colleague Canty
Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) are among five applicants seeking to replace former Sen. Ann Gillespie.
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UPDATE: (Mon. 9:00a.m.)- Now-Sen. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) won the 27th Senate District appointment Saturday night.
Both Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) are seeking the Senate seat vacated by Ann Gillespie last month.
Gillespie resigned to become Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Committeepersons will pick her replacement Saturday evening and both Walker, a seasoned and popular lawmaker, and Canty, a freshman progressive, are among five applicants to replace Gillespie.
Walker confirmed his application for the seat when I spoke to him Friday afternoon.
Canty issued a statement Friday confirming she’s interested in the appointment.
"I appreciate the opportunity to take part in a conversation about our community’s future,” she said. “No matter what, my focus will be on making the commonsense voices of our community heard in Springfield by fighting to cut costs for families, defend our fundamental rights, and create opportunity for our students."
Walker has the highest weighted vote, but not enough to appoint himself.
The appointment meeting is Saturday evening in Arlington Heights.