Milton Republicans Endorse Pihos for Cronin Vacancy

Milton Township Republicans overwhelmingly endorsed Rep. Sandy Pihos of Glen Ellyn to fill the seat of Sen. Dan Cronin, who will resign from his position before the end of the month.

The Milton Republicans met Wednesday night in a special endorsement meeting. Committeeman Dave Diersen said the township Republicans wanted to voice their opinion about who should be representing them in the coming legislative session.

Cronin, an Elmhurst Republican, represents the 21st Senate District, which includes parts of Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Cronin, who was in the middle of a four-year term, successfully ran for Chairman of the DuPage County Board earlier this month. He will have to resign his Senate seat before he is sworn in as chairman next month. Cronin also serves as chairman of the DuPage County Republican Party. It is through that role that Cronin will be able to name his successor to the state Senate. Although Cronin will not be the only Republican leader with a voice in selecting the new senator, his carries the most weight due to the number of weighted votes he carries.

Pihos, who represents the 42nd House District, did not attend the Wednesday night meeting due to being in Springfield for the legislative veto session. While she was not there, she sent a letter to the township Republicans seeking their support. In her letter, Pihos said her House district covers about half the district currently held by Cronin. She said she is familiar with the issues facing the people of the district and would be able to provide a seamless transition of representation.

As a senator, Pihos said her legislative goals would be the same ones she has in the House, including education advocacy. Pihos is a former teacher having served as president of the Glenbard Township District 87 School Board, and safeguarding education is a top Pihos priority.

"I will make sure Illinois achieves good public policy by ensuring due diligence on each issue," Pihos said in her letter.

Pihos said she is not afraid to make hard votes and has a proven track-record of bringing about legislative action.

Rafael Rivadeneira of Elmhurst was a distant second in the voting. He was the only candidate who attended the Milton meeting. A conservative activist, Rivadeneira told the township group that his conservative principles are in line with the "new brand of conservatives that energized the nation in this last election cycle."

Rivadeneira ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for House District 41 earlier this year. He said he ran on issues and ideas about how to get Illinois out of debt.

Rivadeneira said he has identified over $400 million in budget cuts, including cutting $118 million in new spending on health care and $13 million on teen parenting programs.

Downers Grove Mayor Ron Sandak came in third in the voting. Rep.-elect Chris Nybo of Elmhurst did not receive any support from the Milton Republicans.

If Cronin were to elevate Pihos to the Senate, he would also face naming someone to assume her role in the House. Several of the Milton Republicans said Cronin could name his successor by the end of this week.

The Milton Republicans also endorsed Rep. Mike Fortner of West Chicago for the Senate seat held by Randy Hultgren of Wheaton. Hultgren won his campaign for the U.S. House and will be vacating his state legislative seat. Cronin will also select his replacement.