Why Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin Wants To Be The Next Speaker

Despite a Democratic supermajority in the Illinois House, Rep. Durkin says he’s in the best position to take the reins from Michael Madigan.

By Stephanie Kim
Why Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin Wants To Be The Next Speaker
Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, addresses the Special Investigating Committee II at the Illinois Capitol Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. The committee is looking into House Speaker Michael Madigan's role in a bribery scandal involving utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Ted Schurter / The State Journal-Register via AP, Pool
Why Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin Wants To Be The Next Speaker
Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, addresses the Special Investigating Committee II at the Illinois Capitol Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. The committee is looking into House Speaker Michael Madigan's role in a bribery scandal involving utility giant Commonwealth Edison. Ted Schurter / The State Journal-Register via AP, Pool

Why Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin Wants To Be The Next Speaker

Despite a Democratic supermajority in the Illinois House, Rep. Durkin says he’s in the best position to take the reins from Michael Madigan.

By Stephanie Kim

The field of candidates for the next Illinois House Speaker is broadening after Democrat Michael Madigan suspended his campaign to retain his leadership position. As lawmakers gather for the lame-duck session, GOP Minority Leader Jim Durkin says he’s the best candidate to take over.

Reset checks in with Rep. Durkin for more on his plans and how he intends to shore up support from his Democratic colleagues.

GUEST: Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), Illinois House Republican leader