Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady is stepping down.
Brady announced his resignation Tuesday in a letter to the state party's central committee.
In it, he does not cite a reason for his departure. But Republican State Rep. Jim Durkin said Brady is "leaving on terms that he's imposed on himself."
Durkin says Brady, who he calls a dear friend, wants to spend more time with his family.
Social conservatives have called for Brady's removal, in part because he took a stand in favor of gay marriage earlier this year. They also cite Republicans' poor showing in the 2012 election.
Brady in March survived an attempt by GOP committeemen to vote him out. That effort failed amid concerns that getting rid of him would reflect poorly on a party that's trying to expand its appeal.
