Liberal Illinois lawmakers and citizens' groups celebrated International Women’s Day at the state Capitol.
The all-Democratic list of speakers didn’t shy away from politics. There were shots at the governor, and talk of a legislative platform focused on social services and health care access for women.
But Democratic state Senator Toi Hutchinson of Olympia Fields says there is respect for GOP women. She gave the example of Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, who launched the “grand bargain” negotiations.
“And it’s amazing that’s she’s not getting enough credit for it. This is the first female leader of the Republican Party in the state’s history. And she is really showing the kind of leadership that most people say they want.”
Radogno is the first woman to lead an Illinois legislative caucus of any party.
She said the comments are flattering, but noted there are also great male legislators.
