Top GOP Leader Not Expecting Deal on Funding in Special Session

By Kurt Erickson

SPRINGFIELD – The top Republican in the Illinois Senate is doubtful that any resolution to the state’s lingering political stalemate will come in the first week of January.

Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson said Gov. Rod Blagojevich made a misstep when he scheduled a special session on mass transit funding for Jan. 2.

“People are not going to show up,” Watson said Friday.

Watson said many lawmakers will be in California to watch the University of Illinois football team play in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Watson, who is not among the contingent heading to Pasadena, doubts many members will be able to get back in time for the start of the session.

Other members of the House and Senate made plans to be out of the state in the first week of the year because the regular session schedule didn’t have them returning to Springfield until Jan. 9.

Among them is state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.

In June, Rose booked a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida for the first week of January. He said he rarely misses days in the Legislature, but will not be in town for the special session.

“I would be divorced if I walked out on this deal,” said Rose.

Blagojevich on Thursday scheduled a special session on transit funding. Lawmakers have been unable to find a way to fund Chicago- area bus and train service and are operating under a Jan. 20 deadline to get a financing plan in place.

Downstate lawmakers are withholding their votes on the transit deal in hopes of leveraging a separate plan to build new roads, schools and bridges.

A massive expansion of gambling is being discussed as one way to raise money for the construction program, but Watson said agreement remains elusive.

“We’re a long way from getting anything resolved,” said Watson.

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