Dupage Policy Journal

The more things change, the more they stay the same, DuPage GOP Chairman Brian Krajewski said in a recent press release.

Noting the recently announced retirement of longtime Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale) and the appointment of John Curran (R-Downers Grove) as state senator, replacing Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), Krajewski said one thing is certain.

"Regardless of these changes, DuPage County will continue to lead at our state Capitol," he said in the press release. "House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) promoted state Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) to floor leader in House."

Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale)

Krajewski commended Bellock on her years of service to the county and her strong performance in Springfield.

“Since 1999, she has honorably served our communities and was the Republican lead on human services issues,” Krajewski said in the press release. “Her expertise, dedication, and compassion will be sorely missed.”

Bellock is 70 years old and will have served in the House for 20 years when she steps down. Bellock is the deputy House minority leader – the first woman to take that role for either party.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my community in the Illinois General Assembly," Bellock said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "I would like to thank my family, friends and the residents of my district for their support over the years and to all those who suggested ideas for legislation that we were able to enact into public policy together."

Curran, who will be taking over the party’s 41st Senate District seat, is an assistant state’s attorney for Cook County.  Krajewski noted that Curran’s experience in local government, where he has served as a county board member, assistant state’s attorney and village trustee, will allow him to “hit the ground running” when he gets to the Capitol.

Breen said he is honored to move to the House floor leader position, according to a previous report from in the DuPage Policy Journal. Durkin said Breen, who became a representative in January 2015, brings legal expertise in free-speech and religious liberty rights to the General Assembly thanks to his background as a constitutional attorney. Prior to entering state government, Breen served at the local level as a trustee and acting village president of Lombard.

“As the General Assembly works to bring fairness and equity to our school funding formula, it will be a privilege to be our caucus’ leading voice during this important debate,” Breen said in a statement. "It is an honor to serve in this role, and I appreciate the trust and confidence placed in me by leader Durkin.”