LaSalle County Republican Party Chairman Larry Smith says he already got a call yesterday from someone interested in filling the Illinois Senate seat Jason Barickman’s leaving. Thirteen county Republican Party chairs will decide who does within a month. Their votes will be weighted by how many Republicans from each county live in the district.
Barickman’s vacancy must be filled within a month. The new legislative term begins January 11th. State law also doesn’t let vacancies last very long.
To the casual observer, it looks like the unopposed Barickman waited to announce his departure until after the election to guarantee the Illinois Senate 53rd seat stays Republican. Smith says things like that happen all the time, but he doesn’t know if that’s what Barickman was thinking.
As for who replaces Barickman, Smith says there’s usually someone who stands out. If not, there could be a lot of arguing.
An earlier version of this story said nine chairs would decide Barickman’s replacement. The correct number is 13.