West Central Reporter

A state senator whose vote against the appointment of Daniel Beiser of Godfrey to the Illinois Racing Board helped cause its initial rejection eventually made a move that resulted in the affirmation of the appointment.

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Jacksonville), in comments on the Senate floor on Feb. 22, said his concern about the Beiser nomination centered on Beiser’s lack of knowledge of horse breeding. Gov. J.B. Pritzker nominated Beiser for the term on the board, according to the appointment message.

The Illinois Racing Board regulates horse racing by enforcing the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 “to ensure the honesty and integrity of Illinois racing and wagering,” the board’s website says.

“By statute, there are very few requirements for this position (on the Illinois Racing Board), one of which, by statute, is required that they have a reasonable knowledge of horse breeding,” McClure said. “I don’t want to vote against this appointment, but based upon what the statute says, he has given me no choice based upon his answers in committee. For that, I urge a ‘No’ vote.”

The Senate rejected the appointment 29-16 on Feb. 22. However, the Senate confirmed the appointment 54-0 on Feb. 23 after McClure filed a motion to reconsider the vote, according to the bill status.

Beiser, a Democrat, was a state representative from 2004 until he resigned in 2017. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and parks and recreation management, and a master’s degree in special education.