As the current state budget mess drags into fall, there is a new state Senator to examine the issues.

Chuck Weaver of Peoria has been sworn in to replace Darin LaHood who left the Senate to become a US Congressman. Weaver a Republican from Peoria says that he is on the side of the Governor’s so far in the ongoing standoff.

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Weaver was sworn in last week to represent Illinois’ 37th Senate District. He is filling out Darin LaHood’s term, which expires in November of next year.