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House Says Farewell to Rep. Bill Black
(IRN)-It's farewell, this time he says he means it, for the fiery, feisty floor leader of the Illinois House Republicans, State Representative Bill Black.

A House member since 1986, Black will be remembered even though there are 177 members of the General Assembly, as many of his colleagues reinforced during a two-hour farewell on the last day of the House's fall veto session.

In a scene which would remind you of Tom Sawyer watching his own funeral, accolades and anecdotes came in a seemingly endless line. Republicans and Democrats alike praised Black as a plain speaker and a fair dealer.

Black will be remembered for his multiple threats to retire, including episodes in which he stomped off the floor, as well as for his bombastic style of debate. Tales were told of his taunting a representative in whose office a university statue was mysteriously stored, and, as he skewered somebody's "buy American" bill, of his checking lawmakers' personal vehicles to see which were made in America.

He says he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, though he can't stay away from politics. He's on the spring ballot for a Danville City Council seat.

(Illinois Radio Network)
12 03 10 by Newsroom
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