Murphy Gets Backing of Illinois Senate Republican Leader
1/11/2010
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SPRINGFIELD -- Republican Matt Murphy was endorsed Wednesday in his bid for lieutenant governor from the state's first female leader in the Senate.
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, is endorsing Murphy, a state senator from Palatine, in his run for the No. 2 job in Illinois.
Radogno said Murphy is the only statewide candidate she is endorsing in the February primaries.
Murphy called the endorsement a "very big moment" in the race.
"It means a ton to me," he said.
Murphy is running for the post with gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna, although voters pick separate ballots for the two positions. Radogno doesn't plan to endorse a candidate for governor and said a number of them are qualified for the position.
Although Radogno typically doesn't endorse primary candidates, she said Murphy has a track record on issues important to Illinois voters, including low taxes and small government.
Murphy has picked up several endorsements from senators and representatives in both chambers, including House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, and state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, also have endorsed Murphy.
Twelve candidates are vying for lieutenant governor. Republican candidates include: Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole, education administrator Dennis Cook of Orland Park, former Madison County Republican Chairman Jason Plummer of Edwardsville, Springfield lawyer Don Tracy and Randy White, a member of the Hancock County Board.
Democrat candidates include: Sens. Rickey Hendon of Chicago and Terry Link of Waukegan, Reps. Art Turner of Chicago and Mike Boland of East Moline, Chicago businessman Scott Lee Cohen and electrical worker Thomas Castillo.
The number of candidates is unusually high for a position that has little influence in state government. But Quinn's rise from the position to governor after the impeachment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has brought new attention to the race.
The primary is Feb. 2.
The Southern
Chris Essig
January 6, 2010
