James DeLeo


James A. DeLeo is a former Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 10th district since 1992, and is an Assistant Majority Leader. Earlier he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He announced his retirement from the State Senate in 2010, and left office in August 2010. Democrat John G. Mulroe was appointed to replace him and defeated Republican Brian Doherty for a full term in office in the 2010 general election.

Education

DeLeo was educated in the Chicago Public Schools; he later attended Chicago's Loop Junior College and DePaul University where he majored in political science.

State representative

Before becoming a state senator, DeLeo served in the Illinois House of Representatives. State Rep. DeLeo was indicted by a federal grand jury in the "Operation Greylord" investigation of corruption in Cook County for taking bribes. In 1990, DeLeo negotiated a guilty plea on a misdemeanor tax offense, and was placed on probation.

Senate career

DeLeo sponsored legislation to increase funding for diabetes research by giving individual taxpayers the opportunity to designate contributions on their income tax returns. He also sponsored resolution SJR0061 of the 95th General Assembly honoring the life the late Rosemont, Illinois Mayor, Donald E. Stephens. In the Senate DeLeo served as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments, and was a member of the Senate Executive Committee and the Senate Local Government Committee.
DeLeo recommended that the state of Illinois hire or promote Anne Spilotro, the widow of murdered mob associate Michael Spilotro, according to records of the office of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. DeLeo one of the top go-to guys at the Illinois Statehouse for jobs inside the Blagojevich administration. DeLeo chose to leave office in August 2010 and Democratic candidate John G. Mulroe was appointed to complete the remainder of his term. Mulroe ran for and won a full term in 2010 general election.

Personal life

DeLeo co-owns a bar in Chicago, the Tavern on Rush, with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton and others.