Budget Expert Chosen to Replace Late State Rep

A committee has chosen the budget director for the Illinois House Republicans to fill the unexpired term of the late Rep. Mark Beaubien.

Beaubien was a seven-term GOP state representative. He died last month at age 68.

His replacement is 44-year-old Kent Gaffney of Lake Barrington. He's a married father of two children.

Gaffney worked closely with Beaubien and served as a House Republicans budget chief for more than a decade.

Gaffney says it's an honor to be chosen and he learned a lot from Beaubien. He says he plans to run for the office next year.

A committee representing the 52nd District chose Gaffney last week. The district covers portions of the following counties: McHenry, Lake and Cook. They picked Gaffney from a dozen finalists.