A local legislator has been selected for a major post in the Illinois General Assembly.

State Sen. Christine Radogno, R-41st District, of Lemont is Republican leader of the Senate. She was chosen by her peers over state Sen. Kirk Dillard, R-24th District, of Hinsdale.

As Senate minority leader, Radogno succeeds state Sen. Frank Watson, R-51st District, of Greenville, who suffered a stroke earlier this year. And while he’ll keep his Senate seat, he’s chosen to resign the leadership position. Radogno is the first woman in state history to head a legislative caucus. Under Watson, she served as the deputy Senate GOP leader.

“It’s a huge compliment to be voted by your peers into this position,” Radogno said. “It says that your peers trust you as a leader.”

The Senate GOP’s top priority for the next legislative session will be restoring fiscal responsibility in state government, Radogno said. Having served as the Senate Republicans’ chief budget negotiator for the past several years, Radogno is in a keen position to lead the Republican caucus on this issue.

“Obviously, our first concern is the fiscal condition of the state. I think we’ll be particularly strong on this issue,” Radogno said. “We’re opposed to a general tax increase, particularly now with the economy the way it is.”

The state cannot continue to carry out business as usual by expanding existing programs, Radogno said. Legislators must find ways of delivering services more efficiently, she said.

Having worked so closely on budget issues, Radogno should provide strong leadership to Senate Republicans on fiscal responsibility. State finances are a disaster, and Republicans can strengthen their organization by offering a sensible alternative to how fiscal policies have been crafted for the past several years.

Radogno has served in the Senate since 1997. Before entering the Senate, she served two terms as a trustee on the La Grange Village Board.

Some of Radogno’s positions have not endeared her to conservative Republicans, and her election as Senate minority leader drew some criticism. For example, she is pro-choice and supports rights for homosexuals.

While that could prove problematic for some people, Radogno’s Senate colleagues obviously were impressed with her background as a genuine leader. This bodes well for her as the voice of an increasingly diverse caucus.

It also bodes well for the 41st Senate District, which undoubtedly will benefit from Radogno’s heightened profile.

Jerry Moore is a news editor with Suburban Life Publications and can be contacted at jmoore@mysuburbanlife.com. His blog, Suburban Shoutout, can be found at mysuburbanlife.com.