By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Being the first woman to lead a caucus of the Illinois House of Representatives may be an important thing, but House Minority Leader-elect Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) says it’s not the only thing.

“I was the first female mayor in Savanna, so this is not a first for me, but I certainly don’t want it to be who I am,” McCombie told reporters Wednesday, reminding us of a floor debate over a diversity bill sponsored by then-State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside), who is now speaker. “You shouldn’t be chosen because you’re a woman,” McCombie said. “You should be chosen because you are the right person.”

Across the Rotunda, the senator chosen to lead the minority caucus says it’s not about being able to do something outgoing leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) could not. “It’s about managing the team and putting the members in place so they are effective in their particular roles,” said State Sen. John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “We have to convince Illinoisans that it’s in their best interest that the minority party play a significant role in public policy.”

The 103rd General Assembly is seated in January.