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Dave Luechtefeld - Obama in Illinois

Senator Dave Luechtefeld grew up on a dairy farm outside Okawville, Illinois, and because of his 6 ft 7 in frame and basketball skills he earned a full sports scholarship to St. Louis University. He returned to Okawville to begin a very successful teaching and coaching career, especially in basketball, with multiple trips to the state finals. Following his retirement at 57, he then became an Illinois State Senator in 1995, serving as a Republican in a toss-up district for twenty-one years until his retirement from the senate in 2016. While an Illinois Senator, the Republican Luechtefeld often played poker with his Democratic colleague, Senator Obama.

Interview Links

Abstract

Interview Excerpt (Audio)

Luechtefeld's impressions of Barack Obama

Full Interview

Photos

Caption
President Barack Obama made a special trip back to Springfield to speak to the Illinois legislature on February 10. 2016. Following that speech he asked to meet with Republican Senators [L-R] Brady, Severson, Radogno, Althoff and Luechtefeld.

Where:
Springfield, IL

When:
February 10th, 2016

Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.