State Sen. Bill Brady has hinted at another run for statewide office, and has told other Republican senators he will step down as Senate party leader.
Brady mentioned a promise not to seek other elective office while he was leader as a factor in the decision, and said he still desires to serve the state.
The Bloomington senator has run for governor three times--in 2006, 2010, and 2014, and once as his party's nominee. He lost that race to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn in 2010. Brady has spent 18 years in the Illinois Senate and another eight years in the Illinois House before that.
GOP senators will choose another chamber leader Nov. 17 when the General Assembly convenes for a veto session. The new leader would take the position in January when the next session convenes.
Text of Senator Brady's Message
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the leader of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career in the Illinois legislature and during my tenure as Leader. We were successful in securing additional funding for our public schools, helped create Invest in Kids (a tax-credit private school scholarship program for low- and middle-income students), stood up against income tax hikes that hurt working families, and worked tirelessly to improve our states crumbling infrastructure. While I am proud of my record and the work our caucus has done, I believe it is the right time for a new Senate Republican Leader when the new 102nd General Assembly is sworn in next January.
"When I was elected leader, I said that I would not pursue any other elected office during my leadership of the caucus. While my decision to not seek re-election as Senate Republican Leader may close this chapter, it by no means is the final word on my desire to serve our state and tackle those challenges. Regardless of who the next leader is, I will do all I can to make the Senate Republican caucus as strong as it can be. Thank you for all your support and encouragement."
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