News Local/State

Durkin Picks Members Of House GOP Leadership Team

By The Associated Press
 

The new Republican leader in the Illinois House of Representatives has named his leadership team.

Western Springs Rep. Jim Durkin is keeping most of the assistants who reported  to Oswego Rep. Tom Cross, who left the top position in the chamber to run for Illinois treasurer.

Peoria Rep. David Leitch and Westmont Rep. Patti Bellock will be the chamber's deputy GOP leaders. 

Leitch, who is the longest-serving Republican in the chamber, held the same position under Cross. 
 
Durkin also picked six other assistant leaders. Meanwhile, Murphysboro Rep. Mike Bost will continue to be caucus chairman. 

Leadership positions come with an extra bump in pay. Lawmakers earn a salary of almost $68,000.

They'll begin work Nov. 1.