CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- For the second time in the same week, Illinois Democratic leaders have selected someone to take former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s seat in Springfield. The first choice resigned.
Unlike Sunday’s long session, Thursday's meeting lasted less than five minutes. Democratic Committee members on the Southwest Side selected Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar to be the 22nd District Representative. She was Sunday’s second highest vote getter after Michael Madigan’s first choice Edward Kodatt who resigned three days later after undisclosed reports of “questionable activity” came to light.
Guerrero-Cuellar was first nominated by Democratic committee person and Alderwoman Silvana Tabares, but in the end had Madigan behind her too.
"I am interested to move forward with Angie Guerrero-Cuellar. She's been active in the community. As you can read from her resume, she's worked with various community organizations in the Southwest Side of Chicago," Madigan said
Before the latest vote Guerro-Cuellar was appreciative, saying she looks forward to representing the area.
"My focus and my motivation is to serve the community and its residents of the 22nd District. I am very honored and humbled for this opportunity," she said. "I believe that my life experiences can be relatable to the residents in this area."
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Afterwards, Madigan sidestepped questions about what happened to his first choice and refused to talk about why problems with Kodatt didn’t surface before he was sworn in. He only said all the right questions were asked.
"The events developed as they developed. The action of the committee taken on Sunday was nullified because of the resignation, creating a vacancy, and so today we filled the vacancy," Madigan said.
Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar was sworn in right after the meeting concluded.