State agriculture director Raymond Poe was honored today by his former peers in the General Assembly. The Illinois House passed a resolution recognizing Poe, a Springfield area Republican, for his service.
Representative Don Moffitt, a Knox County Republican, says it's bittersweet.
"Bitter because you have left the Illinois House but sweet because you will be an outstanding director of agriculture and you will do even more good on a statewide basis."
Poe has already been at the helm of the Illinois Department of Agriculture for months. Governor Bruce Rauner appointed him to the post in November, following a major shakeup. Rauner's original director and the head of the state fair both resigned.
Poe was a state representative for more than a decade; he's also a farmer. He's one of several moderate, pro-union Republicans that Rauner has plucked from the legislature to serve in his administration. The governor has had a hand in picking all of their replacements.
