Natalie Phelps Finnie appointed to General Assembly

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36306321/natalie-phelps-finnie-appointed-to-general-assembly

Local Demorcatic leaders gather at Southeastern Illinois College for the announcement of Natalie Phelps-Finnie taking over the 118th State Representative seat. (WSIL-TV)

HARRISBURG, IL – (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Natalie Phelps Finnie became the first woman to represent Illinois’ 118th district Wednesday, when Democrats appointed her to replace her cousin, Brandon Phelps, who resigned from office last week.

She does have a political pedigree. Her father, David Phelps, served in Springfield and as United States Congressman.

A nurse practitioner, Phelps Finnie says she makes tough choices every day, and will bring that same attitude to the General Assembly.

“I’m a Christian, I’m a mother, I’m a wife, I’m a nurse practitioner. I think that says a lot,” she said.

Local Democratic leaders call Phelps Finnie “well qualified” for the position.

But Republicans disagree.

Massac County State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst, who will run for the seat in 2018, said, “The 118th district is not the Phelps family seat. Southern Illinois needs change, not more of the same. Our voice in Springfield is too important to be handed down to the next available Phelps family member.”