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Union bug ELECTION IDEAS CO BOX 946 NAPERVILLE IL 60566
James R. Thompson—also known as Big Jim by his constituents—was the longest serving governor of Illinois and held office from 1977 to 1991. As a Republican politician, he was fiscally conservative and tough on crime, but took a liberal stance when it came to the working class. Thompson’s greatest achievement as governor was Build Illinois, a sweeping construction project that helped modernize state buildings and improve highways. He also spearheaded the creation of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Policies aside, Thompson was a larger-than-life character who was often clad in casual clothing and rode horses around the Capitol Rotunda during holiday parades. After serving his time in office, Thompson worked as a high-profile attorney and later served on the 9/11 Commission.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. (2020). James Thompson. https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/library/collections/OralHistory/illinois... Pearson, R., & Sobol, R. (2020, August 15). Former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson dies at 84. Military News. https://www.militarynews.com/news/national/former-illinois-gov-james-r-t...