Potential Drama Brewing over Springfield House Appointment
Kelly Thompson of Springfield is the likely candidate against appointed Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) next year. Some Republicans are hoping to give Thompson a head start in the Capitol with an appointment to the Illinois House, filling former Rep. Mike Murphy’s open seat. But, sources say, there’s political pushback. (Photo credit: State Journal-Register)
Rep. Mike Murphy’s resignation from his Springfield legislative seat last month set off a tricky game of political Tetris for Sangamon County Republicans. But, sources tell The Illinoize, a battle over the appointment could lead to a messy launch of a state senate campaign and another potentially messy primary.
Sources tell The Illinoize Kelly Thompson, the former director of the state Soil & Water Conservation Districts Association and currently on staff with the Illinois Chamber-affiliated Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, has been eyeing a challenge to appointed Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) next year.
Many leading Republicans under the statehouse dome believe Thompson should be appointed to Murphy’s seat to give her a head start on the legislative process, to raise her profile, and to start raising money for a potential top tier senate race in 2022.
But, as always, things are never as easy as they seem.
The Illinoize is told there is a group of leaders within the Sangamon County Republican Party who want to appoint a person to challenge Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) in a primary next year. Some Springfield-area Republicans are upset with Bourne, who doesn’t currently represent any of Sangamon County, but would under the new legislative maps if they withstand a court challenge. Bourne is said to be supporting former Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, who she has known her entire life, in a primary against Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield).
Sangamon County GOP Chair Dianne Hardwick told The Illinoize Monday night she isn’t involved in any anti-Bourne plans.
“I don’t think there’s a plan to run anyone against Avery at the moment,” Hardwick said.
Top Springfield Republicans who support Bourne told The Illinoize “good luck with that” if they do challenge Bourne, as Sangamon County makes up around 35% of Bourne’s new 108th district next year.
But sources close to Senate Republicans hope Sangamon County chooses Thompson, but fear there could be a problem on their hands.
“It’s a very genuine concern,” said the Senate source. “Do they pick some guy who is friends with some guy or do they think long term by appointing a qualified, dynamic woman?”
Hardwick has the final choice in Murphy’s appointment as his district only includes Sangamon County. Applications for the appointment were due Monday and Hardwick said Monday night there were “more than” 10, but would not release any names.
Thompson did not return multiple messages from The Illinoize seeking comment, but sources tell us she plans to challenge Turner next year no matter what happens with the House appointment.
Hardwick says she’s targeting December 30th as the date for choosing Murphy’s replacement.
