(Chicago, IL) — June 8, 2010. State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Chicago) has decided to leave the Illinois General Assembly at the end of his term.
Southtown Star reporter Joe Biesk reports:
State Rep. Kevin Joyce said he will not seek re-election in the November election, creating an open seat in the General Assembly’s 35th House District.
Joyce, a Demorat from Chicago, who had been a member of the Illinois House since 2003, said he plans to finish out his term. But, he won’t seek re-election, he said.
A successor to Joyce, who first entered the House in 2003, has yet to be determined.
Gov. Pat Quinn
So this is another case of an incumbent allowing party insiders rather than voters pick the Democratic nominee and, because this is a strong D district, probably the next state representative.
When vacancies in nominations happened rarely, I didn’t have a problem with letting committeemen choose the nominee. But these days it seems that a lot of incumbents purposefully delay their retirement announcement to game the process and deprive voters of a choice.
Posted by Vasyl | June 9, 2010, 3:12 PMKevin Joyce is one of the ablest state legislators and his departure from the Illinois House will be a real loss for the people of Illinois. I have not spoken to him, but I’m sure that his decision isn’t based on any fear of losing the election in November or anytime in the future either.
Perhaps he is at the stage of his life where he wants to use his talents in the private sector and earn enough to educate his children. I hope that he decides to return to public office in the future. His integrity would never be an issue under any set of circumstances, but he would be more than formidable if he returned to public life at a point when he was financially independent.
I wish him and his family the best.
Posted by Phil Krone | June 10, 2010, 7:02 AMI just noticed the first posting and again without having spoken to Kevin recently I am sure that he would not have run in the primary had he known he was going to make this decision.
While the previous comment does deal with an issue that is often relevant, I doubt that anyone Kevin Joyce were to support to succeed him would have lost a contested primary.
The 19th Ward has produced some of our very best public officials: the Hynes’. Joyces, Sheahans, Keanes, O’Sheas and Ginger Rugai. It just occurred to me that Kevin might be thinking of running for Alderman in 2011 as Ginger Rugai will have earned, and I mean earned, a full pension at the end of this term. But this is speculation on my part, but it fits in with something I told Ginger a year ago: I love you, but I will support the best or better of your challengers if you fun again. I truly meant it, and as a favor to her, whether she likes it or not.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ginger actually succeeded Kevin, if not Matt O’Shea, but whoever is selected will be excellent and easily re-electable. And knowing all these individuals as I do, if anyone is interested in serving as state rep they should notify Kevin Joyce immediately so they can be considered. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, I do not believe that this was a ‘sham’ resignation.
Posted by Phil Krone | June 10, 2010, 7:15 AMI am so sad to lose Kevin Joyce in the 19th ward. As a domestic violence counselor here in the Beverly community Kevin has shown heartfelt interest and support in helping to protect the women and children I have served. I will always remember him doing nothing but good. We will miss his
Posted by rita ryan | June 13, 2010, 2:06 PMintegrity and grace.
I wish him all the best.
With gratitude,
Rita Ryan