Senate career
Raoul was appointed on November 6, 2004, to fill the state Senate vacancy caused by the resignation of his predecessor, Barack Obama, who had been elected to the United States Senate.
During his time as Senator, Raoul successfully advanced legislation promoting civil justice, early childhood education, domestic violence prevention, and political reform. In his first year in the General Assembly, Raoul established a progressive agenda. His work led to the passage of laws expanding access to early voting in Illinois and the state's Low Income Energy Assistance Program, as well as a crackdown on the payday loan industry.
Raoul sponsored a bill that would require grants distributed by Illinois State Board of Education to early childhood education and preschool programs be used to improve and expand the quality of services. He also backed legislation aimed at easing the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community. This legislation allows good conduct credit to be awarded to inmates who earn their high school diplomas or GEDs, as well as inmates who participate in substance abuse programs.
Raoul has championed legislation on criminal justice reform, including legislation that abolishes the death penalty and legislation creating the Torture Inquiry Commission. He also championed legislation aimed at breaking the code of silence by deterring intimidation of those who cooperate with law enforcement officers.
Raoul has supported efforts to create and retain jobs in the state of Illinois, including his sponsorship of legislation to extend the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit to companies. He also championed the effort to pass comprehensive workers' compensation reform.
As chairman of the Senate's Pension and Investment Committee, Raoul advocated for pension ethics reform and led efforts to expand opportunities for minority and women-owned financial service firms. As chairman of the Senate's Redistricting Committee, Raoul introduced legislation that created the Illinois Voting Rights Act to protect racial and language minorities in the legislative redistricting process. In addition, Raoul served as Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Vice-Chair of the Criminal Law Committee and a member of the Executive, Gaming, Insurance and Public Health Committees.
Raoul was among the candidates Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich considered to fill Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat upon Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election. Raoul withdrew his name from consideration, wary of entering into a quid pro quo with the governor, who later became embroiled in a corruption scandal over his attempt to sell the appointment.
Raoul was succeeded in the Illinois Senate by activist Robert Peters, who was appointed by Democratic leaders of the district.
