Politics & Government

Illinois Sen. Christine Radogno Endorses Jim Durkin for State Representative

Radogno announced her support for Durkin, who is seeking re-election in the 82nd District.

Illinois Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) announced Monday her endorsement of State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) for re-election in Illinois' 82nd District.

“Jim Durkin has been an exceptional state representative for our community and a great advocate for our Republican ideals in Springfield,” Radogno said in a news release. “He is a very effective legislator, who is respected in his role as Assistant Minority Leader and also responsive to constituents in the district."

Durkin  Lemont resident Laura Reigle in the March 20 Republican primary. He has represented the 82nd district since 2006 and served as state representative for the 44th district from 1995 to 2002.

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Illinois primary marks Reigle's first bid for state office. She unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the District 113A school board in the April 2011 consolidated election.

The Lemont Tea Party has campaigned for Reigle in recent months after  that it would no longer endorse Durkin.

Find out what's happening in Lemontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Having represented some of the same communities, Radogno and Durkin work closely together and communicate regularly on a number of legislative issues.

“I am grateful to have Senator Radogno’s support,” Durkin said in the release. “She’s a leader in the Republican Party and respected both locally and in the state capitol. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her as we bring much needed change to Illinois.”

Radogno serves as the Illinois Senate Republican Leader, a position she has held since 2009. She  in the newly drawn 41st District, which includes portions of Burr Ridge, Darien, Downers Grove, Homer Glen, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Lemont, Lisle, Naperville, Western Springs, Willowbrook and Woodridge.

The newly drawn 82nd District includes parts of Western Springs, Lemont, Darien, Burr Ridge, Willowbrook, Woodridge and Homer Glen. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here