Illinois Senate president retiring

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Emil Jones, a product of the Chicago Democratic machine who helped Barack Obama reach the U.S. Senate, said Monday that he is stepping down as Illinois Senate president. Jones, who has spent 3.5 decades in the General Assembly, said in a statement he will not seek re-election in November and plans to serve until his term ends in January. His departure means Gov. Rod Blagojevich will lose his staunchest ally amid Springfield's feuds and gridlock. And Jones' lame-duck status further reduces the chance of any significant action this fall on a statewide construction program or any other contentious issue. Jones, who will be 73 in October, declined comment when reached by The Associated Press. "This has been a great privilege