GOP Insiders To Pick Durkin Replacement

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Republican Party insiders get to pick the replacement for state Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, who resigned earlier this month.

Durkin's 82nd District includes all or parts of Western Springs, La Grange, Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, among other towns. Durkin was the House Republican leader.

The candidates for the position are unknown at this point.

One prominent area Republican is Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, who has unsuccessfully run for Congress and attorney general in the last few years. Grasso, who recently denounced the "far right," has not returned two messages for comment.

In half the states, special elections are held when legislative seats are vacant. In 20 others, public officials are involved in filling vacancies.

Illinois is just one of five states where political parties handle the job.

In Illinois, a state representative's district consists of about 105,000 people. Durkin, who has served since 1995, announced his resignation two months after running unopposed for re-election.

Last Friday, Republicans issued a news release giving interested candidates a week to apply.

Members of the selection committee are Jim Zay of DuPage County, Tim Ozinga of Will County, Michael Shackel of Lemont Township, Terrance Carr of Lyons Township, Cindy Nelson Katsenes of Orland Township and Sean Morrison of Palos Township.

They plan to hold a public meeting involving interviews of "select" candidates, according to the news release. The meeting is set for 10 a.m. Feb. 4 at the House Republican Organization office at 16W281 83rd St., Suite D, in Burr Ridge.

Interested Republicans must have lived in the district for the last two years.

For more information, call 217-553-7743 or email jaymesiemer@gmail.com.