Illinois senators face big decisions in fall session

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SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Illinois senators won't have much work to do in their annual fall session, but they face two big decisions. The Democratic majority must choose a new Senate president, while Republicans have to pick a new minority leader. Their choices could shape Springfield politics for years to come. The leaders - particularly the Senate president - have tremendous power to set the agenda, decide which senators gain influence and negotiate with other state leaders. Senators aren't likely to make the leadership decisions this week, but the three days of session beginning Wednesday will give them a chance to discuss their options and do a little behind-the-scenes campaigning. They also might begin talking about new budget problems the state faces because of the weakening economy. "In my view, the budget underlies absolutely everything else," said Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont. Illinois legislators traditionally meet for a fall "veto" session where they decide whether to accept or reject the governor's vetoes of bills that passed in the spring. But lawmakers acted on most of the vetoes when they met several times over the summer in a dispute with Gov. Rod Blagojevich on the budget and ethics legislation. With most of the work already done, the House won't be meeting this week. Both the House and Senate will meet next week for the final three days of the session. Democrats face a change in leadership because longtime Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, is retiring when his term ends. The leading contenders to replace him are Sen. John Cullerton of Chicago and Sen. James Clayborne of Belleville. On the Republican side, Minority Leader Frank Watson of Greenville is stepping down after suffering a stroke. He'll stay in the Senate but not as head of the GOP caucus. The two people most often mentioned as potential replacements are Radogno and Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale. Other issues that might pop up: -- legislation permitting a clean-coal power plant in Taylorville, a little east of Springfield. -- Blagojevich's request that lawmakers approve property tax breaks for disabled veterans. -- Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' request that lawmakers override the governor's veto of legislation capping fees charged by firms that help people locate forgotten bank accounts and other lost funds. 0