Illinois lawmakers are continuing to leave the General Assembly. So far this year, 19 state senators and representatives have retired, announced plans to run for another office, or said they won’t seek re-election.
Among them is Steve Andersson of Geneva, who says he’s tired of what he calls “intolerance” in his Republican Party. Speaking on the public television program Chicago Tonight, he pointed to a recent House vote on whether to name a highway after former president Barack Obama.
“There were about 110 people in the room that day," he said. "The bill passed, unanimously, with 90 votes. That meant 20 people sat and didn’t vote. That sends a message to me of intolerance.”
Andersson is also one of six Republicans who defied Gov. Bruce Rauner to help Democrats end the budget impasse.
Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez is also part of this departing group. The Republican from Leland Grove, near Springfield, has been in the House for less than two years. But she’s been around Illinois politics for more than a decade — first as a journalist, then as a staffer.
“There are some filters that seem to have been removed over the years," she said. "And it makes it difficult to really debate issues, because you’re put on your heels a little bit … because of something someone says in a threatening manner.”
In all there are eleven Republicans and eight Democrats leaving. More than half of those Republicans voted with Democrats to raise taxes — which could have drawn primary election opponents.
