Barickman Appointed to Cultra’s House Seat

Champaign County GOP Jason Barickman will replace State Representative Shane Cultra in the Illinois General Assembly.

A group of GOP County Chairmen from the 105th Illinois House District unanimously supported Barickman to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat created by Cultra's anticipated departure to the Illinois Senate.

Cultra won re-election earlier this month to the 105 House District, but will begin filling Dan Rutherford's remaining two years in the Senate starting January 9th, the same day Barickman expects to take office. Rutherford said Cultra's the right choice for the job.

"Jason is a likeable guy and an extremely hard worker," Cultra said. "Republicans from around the 105th have asked me to support Jason, and I was proud to do so."

McLean County Republican Chairman John W. Parrott, Jr. led the selection committee. Parrott said he has known Barickman for many years, and he said his experience as head of the Champaign County Republican Party set him over the top.

"He has extremely deep roots throughout the 105th District, and I believe he will be an excellent State Representative who is willing to shake things up in Springfield," Parrott said.

Barickman, a partner in a law firm with locations in Champaign and Bloomington, was raised on his family farm in rural Livington County. He accepted the role of Champaign County Republican Central Committee Chairman in 2006 following his graduation from the University of Illinois College of Law.

"I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the 105th district and the people of Illinois," stated Barickman. "I look forward to tackling the many challenges facing our great State."

And Barickman said he does not think balancing time in Springfield with his law practice will be a problem. "I have always maintained a busy schedule," says Barickman. "And if you believe in that mantra of asking a busy person to get things done, then I'm a perfect fit, and I'll just have to adjust my schedule accordingly."

With his appointment, Barickman will become the fourth member of the Illinois General Assembly representing Champaign County. He joins State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) and State Reps. Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana) and Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet).