Will County Gazette

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader. 

He replaces outgoing leader Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), who announced Thursday she is retiring effective Saturday. 

“I couldn’t be more proud," Radogno said. "He will be a very capable successor and I wish him all the luck in the world.” 

Brady will work with Radogno to ensure a smooth transition. They plan to speak with Senate Leader John Cullerton and address the Senate floor for a vote on his appointment.

His selection comes at a vital time as lawmakers enter the final hours of the special session to negotiate and vote on a budget and state reforms. Illinois may be entering its third year without a budget if talks break down and a budget is not found.

Brady is not letting that daunting tasks trouble him, stating that he has a strong caucus which he believes will bring a solution to the state. 

“The good news is I got a job and … that I got a great caucus behind me, as Leader Radogno had, that can help provide a real solution to the state,” Brady said. “There is a lot of important things that we need to get done that we’ve laid on the table. It’s my hope and prayer, frankly, that we can get that done in the next few hours to provide the relief and the plan that the people of Illinois need. Our caucus has been working day and night with their Democratic colleagues to get this plan done so that Illinois has something it can work to build on.”

Brady said bipartisan discussions and work that Radogno and his caucus have done will continue. 

“The members behind me have worked with their colleagues across the aisle for the last several months under Leader Radogno leadership," Brady said. "We are going to continue that effort. We know that Illinois needs a bipartisan solution. We’ll continue that effort and building further on that effort.”

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) and Sen. Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) nominated Brady, who, at age 56, has represented the 44th district in the Senate since 2002 and currently serves as Assistant Republican Leader.