SPRINGFIELD - In his first interview since becoming the Illinois House Republicans' new leader, State Rep. Jim Durkin told reporters he supports State Sen. Kirk Dillard for governor, is opposed to gay marriage, and doesn't expect same-sex matrimony to come up in the veto session this fall.
"We have a very diverse caucus and we're going to use that to our advantage," Durkin said. He will officially take over from outgoing House Minority Leader Tom Cross on September 23. So far he's made no decisions on his new leadership team.
According to Durkin, his opponent in the election, State Rep. Raymond Poe made the motion that he [Durkin] be elected by acclamation, showing unity among the Republican House members. Poe said the Republican caucus is "47 strong". Durkin and Poe's comments begin at about 4:15:
