Kirk Dillard Named Assistant Republican Leader in Illinois Senate

State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) will serve as the assistant Senate Republican leader during the new session of the Illinois General Assembly, according to a release from Dillard's office.

The 24th District senator, who said after his November re-election that he's mulling a second run for governor in 2014, was asked to be part of Republican leadership by Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), who cited Dillard's years as chief of staff to Gov. Jim Edgar and director of legislative affairs for Gov. James Thompson.

“These experiences provide him with the unique perspective and institutional knowledge that will be invaluable to our caucus in the coming years,” Radogno said. “I know Kirk’s ability to work with our colleagues across the aisle to achieve bipartisan solutions to the state’s problems will be a tremendous asset, and I look forward to having him on my leadership team.”

Dillard, a resident and native of Hinsdale, has served the 24th since 1995 and was quoted in the release as saying he is "honored" to accept the leadership role.

“I look forward to playing a more prominent role in driving public policy," Dillard said. "A leadership position offers an additional platform from which I can draw more attention to the concerns and priorities of suburban Illinois families.”

The 98th General Assembly was officially sworn-in Wednesday in Springfield.