SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Chicago History Museum are teaming up to reflect on the career of Illinois’ longest-serving governor.
The retrospective on Gov. James “Big Jim” Thompson’s 14 years in office will take place June 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chicago History Museum’s Robert R. McCormick Theater.
Mark DePue leads the Lincoln Presidential Library’s Oral History Program. He says Thompson’s political legacy “casts a long shadow” even in retirement. DePue will moderate a panel conversation featuring some of Thompson’s top aides. That list includes Deputy Gov. Jim Fletcher, press secretary David Gilbert, budget director Bob Mandeville, and policy director Paula Wolff.
The 81-year-old former governor also plans to attend the event. Thompson served as governor from 1977 through 1991.
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Online:
Chicago History Museum: https://bit.ly/2qOp6XO
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