By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill – The wife of late Illinois State Senator Vince Demuzio has been sworn in as his replacement.
Deanna Demuzio of Carlinville was chosen by county chairmen in the 49th district to fill the vacancy.
She choked back tears as she repeated the oath of office in front of family and friends in the Illinois senate chamber.
"There is not a day that doesn't go by that I don't have him in my heart, in my soul, my thoughts and my prayers," Demuzio said. "And, as I've said before, I'll never be able to take his place, walk his steps but he will be walking beside me."
Deanna Demuzio says she will continue to work on legislative issues that were important to her husband, including education and affordable healthcare.
Vince Demuzio served in the state senate for nearly 30 years before his death from colon cancer two weeks ago.