Watson

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois state Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville, the minority leader in the chamber, returned to the Senate floor this morning for the first time since his Oct. 17 stroke.

Watson, 63, appeared in good health, telling reporters he is still undergoing therapy and experience slight speech hesitation and some physical limitation on his right side.

Watson is stepping down from his post as minority leader, and Senate Republicans Wednesday night elected Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, as the new leader.

Watson was the only downstater among the four top legislative leaders. His exit — along with the failed bid by Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, to become Senate president during a separate Wednesday night meeting among Democrats — leaves the top level of Illinois legislative leadership entirely in the hands of Chicago-area politicos.

Watson predicted Radogno would be “an outstanding leader,” adding: “I’ll do anything I can to help.”

Outgoing Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, welcomed Watson back, and said he promised him he wouldn’t give the gavel to Sen. Rickey Hendon, D-Chicago, who is known for noisy exuberance during floor debate. Watson “didn’t want to have a relapse,” Jones explained.