Hendon Resigns from Illinois Legislature

Democratic state Sen. Rickey Hendon of Chicago has resigned from the Legislature.

In a letter to Senate President John Cullerton, Hendon called yesterday a "wonderful day,'' going on to say he has enjoyed working in the Legislature.

While Hendon did not give a reason for stepping down, the assistant majority leader wrote he hoped supporters will accept his decision and allow him to move on with his life.

The 57-year-old Hendon was elected to the 5th District seat in 1993.

Hendon's name has come up in a federal grand jury investigation of how state money was handed out to various groups.

A number of them report receiving the grants with Hendon's assistance. But there has been no indication Hendon has been targeted by the investigation.