Kirk W. Dillard
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Kirk W. Dillard (born June 1, 1955), American politician, is a lifelong resident of DuPage County and currently resides in Hinsdale, Illinois. He is the Republican Illinois State Senator serving the 24th district and the Chairman of the DuPage Republican Party. Dillard was the Chief of Staff to former Governor Jim Edgar, starting in 1991, for Edgar's first term. He also served as the Director of Legislative Affairs to former Governor James R. Thompson. Further, Dillard was a former Judge on the Illinois Court of Claims(1987 - 1991), a former member of the Republican Illinois State Central Committee, on the Board of Directors for the Robert Crown Center for Health Education and a partner at Lord, Bissell & Brook, one of Chicago's oldest and largest law firms. Dillard has been serving in the Illinois Senate since 1994 and has been the County Republican Chairman since 2004. He graduated from Hinsdale Central High School, received his B.A. from Western Illinois University and later obtained his J.D. from the Depaul University College of Law. Dillard also serves as a Public Policy School Mentor for the University of Chicago. When the 95th General Assembly convenes on January 10, 2007, he will serve as GOP Whip [1].
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[edit] Illinois Senate
Currently, Dillard serves in the Illinois Senate as the Co-Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee, and Chairman of the High Technology Task Force. He also serves on the Senate Committee as a Whole; Environment & Energy Committee; Executive Appointments Committee; Licensed Activities Committee; and the Subcommittee on Amendments; Subcommittee on Special Issues (Where he is the Sub-Minority Spokesperson); and the Environment & Energy Subcommittee.
[edit] Crime legislation
Dillard was a sponsor of Illinois' Truth-in-Sentencing law that ensures criminals serve full sentences. He was the chief sponsor of the "15-20-Life" gun control law that automatically increases jail time for a criminal using a gun in Illinois. He supported legislation requiring Illinois' felons to take DNA tests. Dillard addressed laws outlawing date rape drug and other designer drugs. He sponsored laws cracking down on sexual predators and improving the Amber Alert system.
[edit] Campaign finance reform
He was the chief sponsor of Illinois' first major campaign finance and ethics reform in 25 years [2].
[edit] Education
Dillard was the chief sponsor of law to return the Pledge of Allegiance to Illinois high schools. He also brought the "Safe to Learn" legislation to the senate to ensure children's safety when they are at school. Furthermore, he was the chief sponsor creating the "Illinois Century Network" linking vast information sources to schools, libraries, museums, and federal research laboratories via high speed telecommunications networks.
[edit] Senior citizen issues
Dillard cosponsored the Senior Citizens Tax Deferral program [3].
[edit] Reputation
The Chicago Sun-Times has said that Dillard "has a reputation for getting along with all types and factions."[citation needed] The Daily Herald has been quoted saying "Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, is one of the most qualified individuals for the job of lawmaker. In 2004, the New York Times called on Dillard to run against Democratic candidate, and close Dillard friend, Barack Obama. The New York Times cited Dillard as a Serious Lawmaker. [1]
[edit] Awards and honors
The following awards and honors have been given to Senator Dillard during his time in the Illinois Senate:
- Crain's Chicago Business "Who's Who in Chicago Business".
- University of Illinois Illinois Issues Magazine, "Legislative Staff Hall of Fame.
- "Outstanding Legislator" presented by both the nation's private bi-partisan and Republican legislators associations.
- Illinois State Crime Commission "Legislator of the Year".
- Family PAC "Legislator of the Year" & "Friend of the Family" awards.
- Illinois Equal Justice Foundation - "Champion of Justice Award" for providing legal aid to low-income families.
- Illinois Press Association - "Legislative Service Award" for dedication to strengthening Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Acts.
- Illinois Chamber of Commerce - "Champion of Free Enterprise".
- Named Western Illinois University's "Man of the Year" in 1977.
[edit] DuPage Republican Party
In 2004, Dillard was elected as the Chairman of the DuPage Republican Party, after his predecessor of over 30 years, James "Pate" Philip stepped down. Dillard was reelected in 2006 and continues as the organization's chairman. Prior to being elected chairman of the county, Dillard served as the chairman of the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization. Downers Grove Mayor, Brian Krajewski, has since been elected chairman of the township. Dillard's current term will end in 2008.
[edit] State Central Committee
Dillard previously served on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee for the 13th Congressional District of Illinois. Dillard decided to not seek reelection to the position in 2006. Bolingbrook, Illinois, Mayor, Roger Claar, ran for and was elected to the post in April 2006.
[edit] Personal life
Kirk Dillard is married to his wife, Stephanie. They have two daughters, Emma and Ava.
[edit] Trivia
- Kirk Dillard's wife, Stephanie, is the great, great granddaughter of former Illinois Governor, Richard James Oglesby. Oglesby was the individual who nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency and nicknamed Lincoln, "The Rail-Splitter".
[edit] References
- ^ Chase the Guy With the Ball New York Times, July 21, 2004
