thedrifter
01-10-08, 07:19 AM
Illinois legislator to serve in Iraq with the Marines
By Kathleen Haughney
POST-DISPATCH SPRINGFIELD BUREAU
Thursday, Jan. 10 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers stood behind state Rep. Jim Watson on
Wednesday and promised to look after his constituents while the Jacksonville
Republican serves in Iraq.
Watson re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves last May and is set to go
to Iraq next month as a member of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force's
Headquarters Unit. Watson also served in Operation Desert Storm.
Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, called Watson an integral part of the
Republican caucus, and said legislators are "committed to his district."
Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Highland, pledged to work in Watson's district every
Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Watson's 97th district includes all or
parts of Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin and Madison counties.
"I am proud as a veteran and I am proud as an American (of Watson)," said
Stephens, who earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in Vietnam.
Watson said he would attempt to keep in touch with his colleagues by e-mail and
encouraged constituents to keep in contact with his staff if they encounter
problems that need legislative attention.
Ellie
By Kathleen Haughney
POST-DISPATCH SPRINGFIELD BUREAU
Thursday, Jan. 10 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers stood behind state Rep. Jim Watson on
Wednesday and promised to look after his constituents while the Jacksonville
Republican serves in Iraq.
Watson re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves last May and is set to go
to Iraq next month as a member of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force's
Headquarters Unit. Watson also served in Operation Desert Storm.
Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, called Watson an integral part of the
Republican caucus, and said legislators are "committed to his district."
Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Highland, pledged to work in Watson's district every
Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Watson's 97th district includes all or
parts of Calhoun, Jersey, Macoupin and Madison counties.
"I am proud as a veteran and I am proud as an American (of Watson)," said
Stephens, who earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in Vietnam.
Watson said he would attempt to keep in touch with his colleagues by e-mail and
encouraged constituents to keep in contact with his staff if they encounter
problems that need legislative attention.
Ellie