Former Illinois Senate Presdient James “Pate” Philip died Tuesday at his home in Wood Dale. The former Marine known for speaking without regard for political correctness, and led the Illinois Senate during the years when Republicans dominated state government. He was 93.

Incoming State Senate Minority Leader John Curran joined The 21st to discuss his plans for the coming session, the state of the Republican Party in Illinois, and more.

"Illinois voters rejected us," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin says. After his party's dismal showing in this year's election, he announced he would step down. And in a conversation taped Thursday afternoon, he came across as a man unburdened: "Donald Trump, I believe, is greatly responsible for the shrinking of the party."

Relegated to super-minority status in the General Assembly and Congressional delegation, do Illinois Republicans have a path back to power? Who will challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth next year? And will Democrats pay a price for going it alone on drawing new legislative districts?

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin joins The 21st to talk about his call for the General Assembly to reconvene in Springfield, Republican priorities for what remains of session, and divisions within his party about when and how to ease restrictions during the pandemic.