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Statehouse clout: Emil Jones Jr., president of Illinois senate, is one of the nation's most powerful politicians.

Article Excerpt
EMIL JONES JR., Illinois senate president, is one of the nation's most powerful politicians. As the second African-American to head the state senate, the Chicago-based Democrat, who recently won a second term, has tremendous influence over a $54 billion state budget.

Jones, 69, a street-smart political veteran with a gravelly voice, also uses his considerable influence to make sweeping changes in state government to give more to the disadvantaged and social pro grams such as public education that have been traditionally underserved. "My role is to make sure every child has access to education," says Jones between answering phone calls and handing off requests to his staff. "I'm in a position to improve the quality of life for people. I'm opening doors."

Jones ranks as one of the top four state political leaders in Illinois and is the only African-American senate president nationwide. "He's always impressed me as someone from the old school, who work ed the inside game, but remains committed to the agenda for the disenfranchised and the poor," says newly elected U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.). "He is a strong proponent of Black business and has been a longtime champion of the underdog. People who know him...