Politics Today: State Sen.  Laura Kent Donahue (R-Quincy)

By: Krystle Russin

Former Illinois state senator Laura Kent Donahue hasn’t exactly disappeared from politics as many do after leaving elected office. Shortly before the party change in Springfield, she was appointed as a member of the Education Labor Relations Board. She does believes she may one day reenter politics, mentioning, "Running for office again has certainly not been ruled out."

However, she did not get into government by beginning a campaign - her story was quite different.

"I was appointed to the Senate in March 1981 after the death of my mother," says Donahue. "She was elected to the Senate in 1980 and had served in the House of Representatives from 1972 to 1980."

In this "Politics Today", Donahue talks about her years in the State Senate, Rod Blagojevich, and her life after office.

Q: What do you think is the most significant thing you accomplished in the State Senate? Also, what do you remember as the funniest or most embarrassing incident that happened while there?

A: Having served in the Senate for 21 years, I feel there are many accomplishments of which I am proud. Legislatively, I worked very closely with health care issues. Nursing homes were facing many critical issues. Over the years, I worked with the industry, as well as my colleagues, to address many of the industry’s concerns. However, fair funding still remains an issue. Also, I sponsored legislation to address "drive by deliveries" and allowing a woman to have access to her gynecologist without having to first meet with her primary care physician. Also, over those years, I was able to assist my district with many necessary projects important to local communities. Two prisons, two work camps, the establishment of the Mid America Intermodel Port Authority, numerous job training grants, and plant expansion grants have helped with the economic development of our region.

Again, there are many funny and embarrassing moments, but one that stands out was in 1981, when the Equal Rights Amendment was being debated, and some women came to the Capitol to protest in favor of the passage of the amendment. One evening during debate, they started chanting and singing from the gallery. They threw pigs’ blood on the Senate Chamber doors and chained themselves to the rotunda rail. Their antics were very disruptive and embarrassing. Also, I believe it contributed to the defeat of the amendment.

Q: What do you believe you did a great job at in the legislature? Is there anything you would do differently?

A: There are many different facets to being a legislator. I worked very hard at constituent service. Serving my district was the most important aspect of my tenure. I’m sure there are some small things that I would do differently, but nothing big. I am proud of my career.

Being in the Illinois Senate has been an incredible experience. Besides being able to help people and serve my district and state, I have had an opportunity to meet people from all over the country. I doubt that if that would have happened without being a part of the Senate.

Q: What measures will we have to take in order to increase young people’s participation in voting during each election?

A: Quite frankly, I think a lot of people are working together to help kids learn about the world and their local area. The problem is kids have to "help" too, kids have to want to participate. Voting is a right that should not be taken lightly, but one cannot be made to vote...they have to want to participate.

Q: The latest story in the news is about Sen. Fitzgerald’s decision not to run for reelection. Who do you think would be the Republican party’s best choice to replace him?

A: I was surprised by Sen. Fitzgerald’s decision not to run for a second term. I believe very strongly that former Governor Edgar would be, without a doubt, our best candidate. His integrity is unquestioned.

Q: You were appointed by the former governor, George Ryan. What do you think has changed since Rod Blagojevich took office?

A: I believe Gov. Blagojevich has a lot to learn about the operations of state government. Being a legislator and participating in the process is one thing; running the state is quite another.

Q: What are you doing right now? Do you have any plans for the future?

A: At the moment, I am a member of the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board. My plans for the future are to "hopefully" continue on the IELRB and give to it the same commitment I gave to my Senate career. Running for office has certainly not been ruled out.

Krystle Russin writes for The State Journal-Register(IL) and contributes political articles/interviews to several publications including PurePolitics.com.