Democrats Keep Control Of General Assembly
CHICAGO (AP) — Democrats have retained control of both houses of the Illinois General Assembly.
The election Tuesday gave enough seats for House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, both Chicago Democrats, to continue setting the legislative agenda.
With Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, the party also retains responsibility for getting control of state budget and pension-fund deficits that haven't improved despite last year's income tax increase.
Republicans worked hard in key areas such as suburban St. Louis and the Quad Cities that have traditionally been Democratic strongholds. But Democrats were better financed.
One Democratic victor was disowned by the party. Former Rep. Derrick Smith of Chicago — expelled in August because he faces a federal bribery charge — easily won back his seat.
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