Senate Leaders Turn Over

The Democratic majority in the Illinois Senate this month picked Sen. John Cullerton of Chicago as president of the upper chamber.

Cullerton replaces the retiring Sen. Emil Jones, also of Chicago. Cullerton defeated his colleague James Clayborne of Belleville to win the post. Cullerton will assume the Senate presidency when the General Assembly convenes early next year. He will enjoy a 37-to-22 Democratic supermajority in the chamber.

Many lawmakers are hopeful that Cullerton’s selection will herald a more harmonious session. Jones was considered an ally of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was often at odds with the Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago. Madigan and Cullerton enjoy a more amicable ­relationship.

The minority Republican caucus in the Senate named Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont to replace retiring Minority Leader Frank Watson, who suffered a stroke last month.

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