Emil, Give Me That Gavel
Sen. John Cullerton wins Senate President spot in Springfield
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009 | Updated 9:54 PM CDT
Sun-Times
Emil Jones served in the state Legislature for 36 years.
The Illinois State Senate President's gavel changed hands today.
Democratic State Sen. John Cullerton, of Chicago, was voted and sworn in as the next senate president during today's opening session in Springfield. [Read More on the Senate's Swearing-In]
He'll succeed retiring Senate President Emil Jones, who is stepping down after 36 years in the Legislature.
Jones bid farewell to his colleagues Tuesday evening and said he'll cherish the relationships he built over the decades.
The Chicago Democrat has been president since 2003. During those years, he helped Barack Obama reach the U.S. Senate -- a position that led to the presidency.
Jones was also a strong ally of impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Jones will be replaced in the Senate by his son, Emil Jones III.
His fellow senators say Jones made his biggest mark by pushing to increase money for Illinois schools.
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