Republican State Rep. John Anthony was sworn into office Monday evening on the steps of the Grundy County Courthouse (see photos below), replacing Pam Roth in the Illinois House.
“I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me,” Anthony said. “Illinois has a lot of financial problems. I’m counting on all of you for your guidance and wisdom and I know in time Illinois can get back on the right track as long as we work together.”
In addition to being a Kendall County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Anthony, 37, is married with four children. He and his wife, Deborah, also founded and run a nonprofit organization, the YARN Foundation, to help area children and their families with scholarships and educational programs.
The second photo (below) shows State Reps. Jim Durkin and Raymond Poe attending the ceremony. Both are vying to replace Tom Cross as House Minority Leader. Sources tell Illinois Review that conservatives are undecided on Cross' replacement. Durkin is perceived as liberal on social issues, and there is concern about Poe's position on pension reform given his relationships with public-sector unions.
