The turnstiles continue to spin at the Capitol, even though the election’s over.
State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) said in an early-morning series of tweets that if four terms in the Illinois General Assembly were enough for Abraham Lincoln, they’re enough for Butler, who earned a new term Tuesday.
Butler told WTAX News Friday he will become president of the Illinois Railroad Association, advocating for freight railroads for an organization which has been around for decades. He said the timing simply lines up to get elected Tuesday, announce his resignation Friday, effective Dec. 31, because of the political calendar which has a state representative take out petitions for a new two-year term soon after being seated in January.
Butler, who has made a point of pride the fact that he represents the same district Lincoln did, has also been active in promoting Route 66. He worked for lawmakers before becoming one – being a longtime staffer for now-former U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood and more recently working in central Illinois for U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville).