John M. Sullivan
| John M. Sullivan | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 47th district | |
|
Assumed office January 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Laura Kent Donahue |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 9, 1959 Macomb, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Sullivan |
| Children | Four |
| Residence | Rushville, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Quincy University |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
John M. Sullivan (born January 9, 1959) is the state senator for the 47th District of Illinois serving since 2003. The western Illinois district, the largest in the state[1] includes all of Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, Henderson, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler, Warren counties and portions of Fulton and Knox counties.[2]
Early life and career
John Sullivan was born in Macomb. In 1981, he graduated from Quincy University with a bachelor's degree in history.[3] He went on to work as an agricultural loan officer before joining Sullivan's Auctioneers, the family's successful auction and real estate business. He currently lives on a farm north of Rushville on the family farm with wife, three sons and one daughter.[4]
State senator
Sullivan was elected in 2002, defeating 22-year incumbent Republican Laura Kent Donahue in one of the closest and most expensive senate races that election cycle. Since he represented a historically Republican district, Sullivan was targeted for defeat by the Republicans in the 2004 election. However, he defeated Republican Tom Ernst with 61 percent of the vote. In March 2006 Illinois's 17th congressional district's congressman, Lane Evans, announced he would be retiring at the end of his 12th term shortly after he won the nomination for a thirteenth term. Sullivan, whose district was largely coextensive with the west-central portion of the congressional district, entered the special nominating election finishing second to a longtime aide of Evans, Phil Hare. Sullivan was unopposed for reelection in 2008. In 2012, Sullivan handily defeated Randy Frese.
Senator Sullivan is currently the Vice Chair of the Agriculture & Conservation committee and is assigned to five other committees; Energy, Higher Education, Revenue, Transportation and Insurance. Senator Sullivan currently serves a Majority Whip.[5]
Proving just how Republican Sullivan's district is at most levels, his associated Representatives are District 93 representative Randy Frese and District 94 representative Norine Hammond, both Republicans. In Illinois, state house districts are formed by dividing senate districts in half. This gives Senator Sullivan the distinction of being the only State Senator to have two associated Representatives from the opposite party.
On June 19, 2015, he announced that he would be retiring from the Illinois Senate at the end of his term in 2017.[6]
Election history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John M Sullivan | 77,597 | 100 | |
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John Sullivan | 40,403 | 51.5 | |
| Republican | Laura Kent Donahue (incumbent) | 38,009 | 48.5 | |
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
References
- ↑ "The District". Friends of John Sullivan. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
- ↑ "Illinois Senate District 47" (PDF). Illinois State Board of Elections.
- ↑ "John Sullivan Biography". Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.
- ↑ "About John". Friends of John Sullivan. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
- ↑ "Biography of John M Sullivan". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
- ↑ Miller, Rich (2015-06-19). "Sen. Sullivan Won't Run Again". Capitol Fax. Retrieved 2015-06-19.
- ↑ "General Election - 11/4/2008 47th Senate". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
- ↑ "General Election - 11/5/2002 47th Senate". Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
External links
- Biography, bills and committees at the 98th Illinois General Assembly
- Profile at Project Vote Smart
- Senator John M. Sullivan at Illinois Senate Democrats