There aren’t very many Republicans in the Illinois State Senate. Democrats maintain a supermajority in the chamber, though the GOP has increased its numbers slightly from the time when I joked the entire caucus could be shuttled around in a Ford Econoline van.

Republican State Senator Tim Bivins has announced he will not run for re-election to the 45th District the in 2018, ending more than a decade in Springfield. He’s one of the most honest, earnest politicians you’ll ever be around, likely due to his long service in law enforcement. He even has a radio background and ably co-hosted with me a handful of times through the years.

One word popped up more than any other when talking to people about Tim: integrity. He’ll be missed. I wrote about his upcoming retirement at Illinois News Network.