From ILLINOIS NEWS NETWORK
The new class of state legislators will be sworn in next week and one of the first orders of business is who will lead each chamber.
In the House, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, expects Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, who, with the exception of two years, has been speaker every year since 1983, will be the only Democratic candidate for speaker. Accordingly, he will have her support.
“My district is certainly not in support of most of the agenda of the Republican leadership in our chamber,” Cassidy said.
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said it would be nice to have someone new in that leadership position.
“Hopefully someone who doesn’t have as tight of a grip, someone who is willing to allow democracy to actually work the way democracy is supposed to work,” Davidsmeyer said.
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate take the oath of office Wednesday. Following the oath, each chamber will then select their leaders and their rules.