PALATINE – Monday, State Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) made his expected resignation date of September 15th official, sending out a personal note. The job is sometimes hard, Murphy said, but pointed to choosing "to pursue an opportunity in the private sector that allows me to better meet my family obligations."
Murphy's "opportunity," Rich Miller of CapitolFax says, is becoming the senior government relations director for Mac Strategies, a public relations firm founded by former Roskam campaign manager Ryan McLaughlin.
Possible successors include Murphy's Republican colleague in the House State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) who told Illinois Review Monday that he's interested in the open seat, but also knows that he still has an important role to play in the Illinois House.
Murphy wrote in his letter:
Eleven years ago this month, my Senate predecessor announced he would not seek reelection. With the full support of my wife, Julie, and many friends, I leaped at the chance to represent the people of the northwest suburban area I have called home my whole life.
It has been the honor of my professional life to be the voice of our communities in the Illinois Senate, but it is now time for me to move on from public office. Today, I am announcing my intention to resign from the Senate effective September 15.
While I have truly been blessed to serve in the Senate, I have also been blessed with a wonderful family. At this juncture in my career, I have chosen to pursue an opportunity in the private sector that allows me to better meet my family obligations.
I cannot thank my constituents enough, not just for entrusting me with this responsibility, but for the way you always treated me personally. Your respect and gratitude helped make a sometimes difficult position a true labor of love for me. I am eternally grateful to you for giving me the chance to live out this dream.
To my colleagues, past and present, we know better than most that the job is hard. At times the weight of the responsibility that comes with it can be difficult to carry. But the truth is I have loved every second of serving with you and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I have particularly enjoyed getting to know and befriend people from every corner of our state, from both chambers and parties. I wish more people outside of the legislative process could see how well we get along personally, even when we disagree vehemently on policy, and also how many legislators really do care about our state and our constituents.
To my Senate Republican colleagues and our incredible staff, thank you for your acceptance of me, your friendship, and your passion for seeing Illinois reach its vast potential. I will miss being one of you more than I hope I ever let you see. I especially want to thank Leader Christine Radogno for your friendship and the trust you always put in me. It was my privilege to have been a part of your team.
In closing, let me say thank you to all who helped me through these years of service. I hope you feel I justified your faith in me.
Gratefully,
Senator Matt Murphy
District GOP committeemen will pick who is to succeed Murphy in the Senate.
