Former Senate President Pate Philip Dies at 93

Then-state Sen. James "Pate" Philip applauds in the Senate chamber in 2002. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)

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Multiple former colleagues tell The Illinoize former Senate President James “Pate” Philip, who spent 28 years in the Senate and 10 as President at the height of GOP control in the state in the 90’s has died. He was 93.

Philip was a DuPage County powerhouse elected to the Senate in 1974 after serving in the House. He became Senate President in 1993 and held the post for ten years until the GOP lost the majority (that it has yet to regain) 20 years ago.

Known for a brash and gruff style, Philip often referred to himself as a "straight-talking ex-Marine."

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and four children.

Here’s the Chicago Tribune obituary.

Here’s the Daily Herald story.

Patrick Pfingsten

@pfingstenshow

patrick@theillinoize.com