By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois State Senator Vince Demuzio died today after suffering from colon cancer.
Demuzio was a powerful figure in the state Senate and former chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. Senate President Emil Jones says Demuzio's death means the people of Illinois have lost a "great leader."
Demuzio was elected to the Senate in 1974 and had more seniority than any other senator currently serving. He was also state Democratic chairman from 1986 to 1990 and was the first downstate official to hold that post in decades.
The Carlinville resident would have turned 63 next week. He had undergone surgery to remove a malignant growth in August.
He's survived by his wife, Deanna, two children and four grandchildren.
Demuzio represented the 49th Senate District in southwestern Illinois. The district covers Pike, Calhoun, Greene, Morgan, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties; as well as part of Jersey and Christian counties.