Robert Raica

Robert M. Raica (born March 13, 1954) was a Republican member of the Illinois Senate from 1987 to 1997.

Prior to holding elected office, Raica was assistant chief paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department.[1] Raica defeated Democratic incumbent LeRoy Lemke in the 1986 general election in a racially-charged campaign targeting Reagan Democrats on the issues of crime and taxes.[2][3] Raica defeated William F. Krystyniak, a member of the Chicago City Council from the 23rd ward, in the 1988 general election.[4] For a time during his tenure in the Senate, he served as the Chair of the Committee on Public Health and Welfare.[5][6] Raica lost the 1996 Republican primary to then-Village Trustee Christine Radogno of LaGrange.[7] On February 21, 2021, Raica submitted his name to the Democratic Committeepersons of the 22nd legislative district for consideration to be appointed to the vacant State Representative position.[8]

  1. ^ Klemmens, Michael D. "Expectations of the rookie legislators". Illinois Issues. 13 (1). Sangamon State University. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  2. ^ Wheeler III, Charles. "GOP targets Senate takeover, but LaRouche factor nil". Illinois Issues. 12 (8–9). Sangamon State University: 3. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  3. ^ Edsall, Thomas B. (November 3, 1988). "'Rings' of White Anger". Washington Post. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  4. ^ Klemens, Michael D. "1988 legislative elections give new meaning to 'power of incumbency'". Illinois Issues. 14 (12). Sangamon State University: 16. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  5. ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1995-1996,' Biographical Sketch of Robert Raicca, pg. 89
  6. ^ Our Campaigns.com.-Robert Raica
  7. ^ Halperin, Jennifer. "ON TARGET: STATE SENATE DEMOCRATS COUNT ON SHIFTS IN THE SOUTH SUBURBS". Illinois Issues. 22 (10): 24. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  8. ^ Miller, Rich (February 21, 2021). "Capitol Fax:And is that former Republican state Sen. Bob Raica". Twitter. Retrieved February 23, 2021.