Larry Bomke served Sangamon County and central Illinois in a political career that began in the early 1970s and ended with his retirement from the Illinois Senate in 2013. He began his career as a Republican at the grass roots level, and in 1976 was elected to serve on the Sangamon County Board. In 1992 he became the Chairman of the County Board, and in 1995 he was appointed by the Sangamon County Republican Party to fill an Illinois Senate seat vacated by Karen Hasara, who was running for mayor of Springfield. He served in the Senate for the next 18 years, during a time that coincided with Barack Obama's years in the IL Senate.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Request to impeach Blagojevich
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early life and experiences at precinct level politics
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
Sangamon County Board experiences
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
State Senate experiences from 1995 to 2003 and memories of Sen Obama
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Photos
Caption
Larry Bomke’s father Arthur is standing, fifth from the left. Arthur was the body shop manager at the time for Springfield’s Chevrolet dealer at third and Jefferson, circa 1928 or 1929. Several in the group went on to start their own businesses.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Circa 1928 or 1929
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Larry with father Arthur and sister Ruthann in the early 1950s. They are standing underneath the arbor in front of the family’s home in rural Sangamon County.
Where:
Sangamon County
When:
Early 1950s
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
In 1968 students Larry Bomke (left) and Mark Kenyon worked with fellow student Ted Henry on the Nixon-Agnew campaign. Bomke was chairman for the Nixon-Agnew campaign on the Lincoln Land Community College campus in Springfield.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1968
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Larry has been a life-long enthusiast for sports cars. He stands by his 1975 Corvette during his first election for the Sangamon County Board in 1976.
Where:
Sangamon County
When:
1976
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The Springfield State Journal-Register ran an article on Larry Bomke in March, 1992 when he became the new Sangamon County Board Chairman.
Where:
Sangamon County
When:
March, 1992
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
“State Senator Larry Bomke stands with his wife, Sally Jo, and children Natalie, 13, and Wulfgar, 9, at his swearing-in ceremony at the state capitol in July, 1995.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
July, 1995
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
“I like Natalie Bomke (best politician in the Bomke family)” Mike Kienzler wrote for the Springfield State Journal-Register on March 21, 1997. “I was at a parade, saw her and she is good. She’s so positive, forthcoming, she seemed so sincere.”
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
March 21, 1997
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.
Caption
Senators Larry Bomke and Art Turner are being interviewed by a reporter in the Illinois Senate chamber. Over the years that Senator Bomke served in the Senate, the Statehouse press pool was steadily decreasing.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Senator Larry Bomke makes a point during debate on a bill on the Senate floor. The date and the bill are unknown.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Senator Bomke makes his point during debate on a bill presented to the Senate.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Each year the Illinois Times lets readers decide on a host of ‘Bests’ in the Springfield area. Senator Bomke was a frequent recipient of the Best State Elected Official award.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Senator Larry Bomke in the 97th General Assembly, which convened from January, 2011 thru January, 2013. The 97th General Assembly was Bomke’s last in the Senate.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
Circa January, 2011 thru January, 2013
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
In 2009 artist William Crook, Jr. created this sketch of the Illinois Senate chamber during what is arguably the Senate’s most significant moment, the impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich in January, 2009.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
January, 2009
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.