FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Jim durkin - The Untold Story

Big money, big problems. Deep-pocketed, self-funding candidates and dark money mar Illinois politics

Primary meddling, dark money and self-funding loopholes help skew Illinois politics to favor moneyed candidates. But there are also solutions — like fighting big money with public funding of campaigns.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 31, 2023

Former Illinois State Senate President James ‘Pate’ Philip dead at 93

The Republican Senate president was known for his influence in state government and often controversial blunt comments.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 22, 2023

Legislators should show some backbone and save Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships

This program is not broken. Invest in Kids is providing high-quality school choice for families, former Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 1, 2023

I support the 2nd amendment — and an assault weapons ban

One mass slaughter after another proves the problem can’t be more clear: It is the person pulling the trigger, and it is also the weapon, former Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 19, 2023

Boeing’s misconduct hasn’t stopped Illinois politicians from taking campaign cash from the company

Based in Chicago until last year, the aerospace giant has given $50,000 to legislative leaders and other politicians since it admitted in 2021 it deceived regulators about a new aircraft that crashed twice overseas.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 17, 2023

Lemont Mayor John Egofske chosen to replace Republican Jim Durkin in state House

John Egofske will fill the seat left vacant by last month’s resignation of former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin. Egofske will continue to serve as mayor.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 6, 2023

Sneed: Jim Durkin’s shining career had its share of comical miscues

‘Identity politics’ fell flat, as he once was mistaken for a page and asked to fetch coffee.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 20, 2023

Departing state House GOP leader Jim Durkin giving up his seat in Illinois General Assembly

Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, who spent 22 years in the Illinois General Assembly, will resign Tuesday.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 9, 2023

Illinois House passes bills banning certain semi-automatic weapons, expanding abortion protections

With Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker seated in the front row of the chamber, the Illinois House early Friday approved a sweeping ban on high-powered firearms about two hours after voting to shore up the state’s already expansive protections for abortion rights.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 7, 2023

Illinois House approves assault weapons ban

After a lengthy debate that stretched into Friday, the House voted 64-43 to pass the measure that would also ban “rapid-fire devices” that turn firearms into fully automatic weapons. It must still clear the Illinois Senate.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 6, 2023