Lee Daniels served as the Republican Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1983 to his retirement in 2003. From 1995 to 1996 he served as the Speaker of the IL House, years when he was successful in steering through several initiatives important to the Republican leadership, including Chicago school reform, tort reform and disability legislation. Daniels talks extensively about the state's governors from Thompson to Blagojevich, and relates stories about all of the major political figures in Illinois during this period.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Thompson at Daniels House
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Daniels’ early life and 1st year in the IL House
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Daniels’ early years in IL House and his selection as minority leader
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Daniels as Republican Minority Leader, 1983 to 1986
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Daniels as Republican Minority Leader, 1987 to 1992
Interview Session 05 (Audio)
Daniels in IL House from 1992 to selection as Speaker in 1995
Interview Session 06 (Audio)
Daniels’ term as House Speaker in 1995-1996
Interview Session 07 (Audio)
Daniels as Republican leader during 2nd Edgar Administration
Interview Session 08 (Audio)
The George Ryan governorship
Interview Session 09 (Audio)
The Ryan and Blagojevich years and the end of Daniels’ career
Final Transcript
Photos
Caption
Albert Lee Daniels, Lee Daniels’ father, in his U.S. Navy uniform, in which he served during World War II, from 1942-1945.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 1942-1945
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels’ mother, Evelyn May Bousfield, circa 1945.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 1945
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Lee Daniels and Bill play in the streets of Elmhurst, circa 1950.
Where:
Elmhurst, Illinois
When:
Circa 1950
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
A young Lee Daniels in tuxedo in 1956; he is all dressed up to be a soloist at a wedding.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1956
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Lee Daniels’s grandfather, Lee Earle Daniels, while he served as an Illinois State Representative for DuPage County in 1956 to 1962.
Where:
Illinois State Legislative House
When:
1956 to 1962.
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Daniels family portrait taken in circa 1959. In the front are Dave, Bob and Tom. In the center row are John, Rich, Pat with Lee and William in the back.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 1959
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Roberta Nelson, Lee Daniels, Pate Philip, and Governor Dan Walker at the signing of the Specialized Living Centers Act in the mid-1970s. Roberta later became Walker’s second wife shortly after he was defeated in his 1976 reelection bid.
Where:
Unknown
When:
mid-1970s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels with Speaker of the House William A. Redmond (second from left) and Gene Hoffman in the mid-1970s.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Mid-1970s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
1974 campaign material for Lee Daniels during his first campaign for State Representative.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1974
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
1974 campaign material, featuring “Three Outstanding Candidates,” with James “Pate” Philip (campaigning for state senator), plus Lee Daniels and Gene Hoffman, campaigning as Republicans for state representative.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1974
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Daniels was a fresh. leg. when the Ill House went through 93 votes before electing William Redmond, a Dem from DuPage County, as its Speaker. Daniels not only tallied the votes, but voted for Redmond in a move that broke the deadlock.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1975
Ownership:
Narrator’s document
Caption
The official photo of Lee Daniels from the 1975-1976 edition of the Illinois Blue Book.
Where:
Illinois Blue Book, 75-76
When:
1975-1976
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
The Illinois legislature’s ‘Four Tops,’ House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate Minority Leader James “Pate” Philip, Senate President Phil Rock, and House Minority Leader Lee Daniels pose for a photo in the mid 1980s.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Mid 1980s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels (second from left) joined others in the Oval Office for a photo op with President Ronald Reagan in the mid 1980s.
Where:
Oval Office
When:
Mid 1980s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Inside panels of a 1982 Lee Daniels State Representative re-election campaign brochure.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1982
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Inside panels of a 1982 Lee Daniels State Representative re-election campaign brochure.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1982
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels was featured on the April 1986 edition of Illinois Issues magazine.
Where:
Illinois Issues magazine
When:
April, 1986
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
A photo of Lee Daniels speaking on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives, from an article in the April 1986 Illinois Issues magazine.
Where:
Floor of the Illinois House of Representatives
When:
April, 1986
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
An April 1986 photo of Lee Daniels, from an article in Illinois Issues magazine.
Where:
Illinois Issues magazine
When:
April, 1986
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Governor Jim Thompson share a triumphant moment with former President Gerald Ford in Chicago in 1986 at a Republican campaign event.
Where:
Chicago, Illinois
When:
1986
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The 85th General Assembly member display board in 1987, announcing Lee Daniels’s selection as House Minority Leader. He was first honored with the position in 1983.
Where:
General Assembly, Springfield, Illinois
When:
1987
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels ‘at bat’ with White Sox player ‘Psycho’ Steve Lyons and Lieutenant Governor George Ryan at U.S. Cellular Field [formerly Comiskey Park] in the late 1980s.
Where:
U.S. Cellular Field
When:
Late 1980s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels met with Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (on the right), Senator Reigel (Democrat-Michigan) and Cheri Berteau in 1989.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1989
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Minority Leader Daniels met with Vice President Dan Quayle in 1990 during a reception at the National Conference of State Legislators.
Where:
National Conference of State Legislators
When:
1990
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels shared a table at a Republican fund raiser with Illinois state senator Aldo DeAngelis, President George H.W. Bush and Joel Herter during an event for Lee Daniels in the Empire Room at the Palmer House in Chicago.
Where:
Palmer House in Chicago, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Photo of Lee Daniels and Governor Jim Thompson, autographed by the governor, circa 1980s.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 1980s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
House Minority Leader Lee Daniels made the cover of the March 1991 issue of Illinois Issues magazine.
Where:
Illinois Issues magazine
When:
March 1991
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
A House Floor Pass commemorating the Ill Legislative Commission Drawing that led to 1) the Republicans controlling redistricting and 2) Daniels’ becoming Speaker of the House in 1995 following the Republican winning the majority in the 1994 elections.
Where:
Unknown
When:
September 5, 1991
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The August 16, 1992 Chicago Tribune Magazine cover (top half) featuring Lee Daniels and ‘Pate’ Philips, both of DuPage County.
Where:
Chicago Tribune Magazine
When:
August 16, 1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Lee Daniels and ‘Pate’ Philip, the photo used for the Chicago Tribune Magazine cover in 1992.
Where:
Chicago Tribune Magazine
When:
1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
‘Pate’ Philip and Lee Daniels watch as Governor Edgar signs a law increasing the state income tax while simultaneously imposing property tax limitations in collar counties. The signing took place in 1991.
Where:
Lombard, IL /Chicago Tribune Magazine
When:
Signing in 1991. Photo in August 16, 1992 (Chicago Tribune Magazine)
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Lee Daniels meets with his staff on the House floor, circa August 1992. The photo appeared in the August 16, 1992 edition of the Chicago Tribune Magazine.
Where:
Chicago Tribune Magazine
When:
Circa August, 1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Lee Daniels and ‘Pate’ Philip toss a football as well as ideas in Philips’ Elmhurst office, circa August 1992. The photo appeared in the August 16, 1992 edition of the Chicago Tribune Magazine.
Where:
Philips’ Elmhurst office
When:
Circa August, 1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Senator Philip with Governor Jim Edgar and Minority Leader Lee Daniels in Lombard, Illinois at the signing event for the Governor’s Property Tax Cap legislation. The photo appeared in the August 16, 1992 edition of the Chicago Tribune Magazine.
Where:
Lombard, Illinois /Chicago Tribune Magazine.
When:
August 16, 1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Minority Leader Lee Daniels with Secretary of State George Ryan during a meeting in 1993. Ryan was already anticipating the day when the Republicans would gain the majority, and Daniels would become Speaker of the House.
Where:
Daniels’ capitol building office Springfield, Illinois
When:
1993
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels, Congressman Henry Hyde and Jim Edgar at a Pate Phillip in 1993.
Where:
Campaign event
When:
1993
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Governor Jim Edgar take time for a photo during Daniels’s visit with the governor in Daniels’ Springfield office.
Where:
Daniels’ Springfield office
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor Jim Edgar shakes Speaker of the House Daniels’ hand after Edgar’s State of the State Address in 1996; Senate President ‘Pate’ Philip stands behind Daniels.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1996
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor Jim Edgar, Lee Daniels, and ‘Pate’ Philip meet in the Illinois House of Representatives chamber during the Governor’s 1996 State of the State message.
Where:
Illinois House of Representatives chamber
When:
1996
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Rev. Jesse Jackson meet on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives circa late 1990s.
Where:
Illinois House of Representatives
When:
circa late 1990s
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Senator ‘Pate’ Philip in the Illinois House chamber, circa 1996.
Where:
Illinois House chamber
When:
Circa 1996
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra flank Governor Jim Edgar in his Downers Grove hospital room after his heart surgery in July 1994.
Where:
Downers Grove hospital room
When:
July, 1994
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels on the cover of a campaign mailing, emphasizing his leadership abilities. The 1994 election was crucial for Daniels, as he fought to get enough Republican House candidates elected in order to give him the majority in the House of Rep.
Where:
Cover of a campaign mailing
When:
October, 1994
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels on the floor of the Illinois House chamber after his election as Speaker of the House on January 11th, 1995.
Where:
Floor of the Illinois House chamber
When:
January 11th, 1995
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
A plate of the front page of the Springfield State Journal-Register for Thursday, January 12, 1995, heralding Lee Daniels’ selection as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Where:
Springfield State Journal-Register
When:
Thursday, January 12, 1995
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
The Illinois House Republican leadership team for 2000. In the front are Tom Cross, Minority Leader Lee Daniels and Art Tenhouse. In the back are Dan Rutherford, Pat Linder, Bill Black, Kathleen Wojcik, Ron Stephens, David Leitch, and Raymond Poe.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
2000
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Speaker Lee Daniels addresses the Illinois House of Representatives in 1996.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1996
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Speaker of the House Lee Daniels calls the Illinois House of Representatives into session, circa 1995.
Where:
Illinois House of Representatives
When:
Circa 1995
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels gives a young constituent a present in Daniels’ Springfield office.
Where:
Daniels’ Springfield office
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels, Representative Vince Persico and fellow Republicans talk over an issue on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives chamber, circa 1997.
Where:
Floor of the Illinois House of Representatives chamber
When:
Circa 1997
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lieutenant Governor Corinne Wood meets with Lee Daniels, (with Illinois Representative Mike Bost in the background) in the Illinois state executive mansion, circa 1999.
Where:
Illinois state executive mansion
When:
Circa 1999
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor George Ryan, Pate Philip, Senator Stan Weaver of Champaign, and Lee Daniels examine a picture in the governor’s office in the Illinois state executive mansion in 1999.
Where:
Governor’s office in the Illinois state executive mansion
When:
1999
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
House Minority Leader Lee Daniels and Governor George Ryan confer in the Illinois House of Representatives chamber, 1999.
Where:
Illinois House of Representatives chamber
When:
1999
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels meets with George W. Bush during his presidential campaign visit to Illinois on 2002.
Where:
Illinois
When:
2002
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels addressed those attending the ground-breaking for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library on February 12th, 2001, Lincoln’s birthday. Governor George Ryan looks on.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
February 12th, 2001
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Groundbreaking for the ALPL. Included are Lura Lynn Ryan, the state’s Constitutional officers, Springfield’s congressional representatives, the area’s state representatives, IHPA Board members, Mayor Karen Hasara, and Lee Daniels.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
February 12th, 2001
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Jesse White, Judy Baar Topinka, Michael Beschloss, Mike Madigan, unknown, Ray LaHood, Corrine Wood, Larry Bomke, Gov George & Mrs. Ryan, Raymond Poe, Gwenn Klingler, Karen Hasara, Daniel Hynes, Jim Ryan, John Shimkus, Lee Daniels and Julie Cellini.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
February 12th, 2001
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Cardinal George, Lee Daniels with his wife Pam, and daughter Laurie at the dedication of the Lee A. Daniels Building at St. Colleta’s of Illinois Administrative and Vocational Training Center in Tinley Park in June 2001.
Where:
Tinley Park
When:
June 2001
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Evelyn Bousfield Daniels (Lee Daniels’ mother), Pam Daniels (Lee’s wife), and Lee Daniels at the dedication for Daniels Hall at Elmhurst College in March 2008.
Where:
Daniels Hall at Elmhurst College
When:
March 2008
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Cartoon of an elephant wearing a 40th District jersey, Lee Daniels’ legislative district.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator
Caption
Official portrait of Lee Daniels.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Lee Daniels and Dr. Mark DePue during their oral history interview in June, 2012 in Daniel’s Elmhurst law office.
Where:
Daniel’s Elmhurst law office
When:
June, 2012
Ownership:
Oral History program photo