SPRINGFIELD - At noon Wednesday, the 100th Illinois House was sworn into office at the University of Illinois-Springfield auditorium.
The new chamber consists of 67 Democrats and 51 Republicans.
State Rep. Sara Feignenholtz (D-Chicago) said "Leadership is a potent combination of character and strategy ..." as she nominated for House Speaker Michael J. Madigan of Chicago.
Rep. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) seconded the motion. "The fact is the gridlock and hyper-partisanism of Washington has made it here," he said. "Unfortunately our debates consist of personal attacks when we disagree with each other.."
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) also seconded Feigenholtz's nomination to re-elect Madigan, who has been Illinois House speaker for 46 years. "I choose not to forget Michael Madigan's history," she said. "I choose his leadership."
Downstate Democrats were represented by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton), who joined in seconding the nomination.
State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Normal) nominated Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-LaGrange) and State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Westmont) seconded Durkin's nomination.
Speaker Madigan won re-election with 66 votes.
