BRIEF: McLean stepping down as St. Clair GOP leader; Amos to take post [Belleville News-Democrat]

May 14--St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Jon McLean is stepping down as the party's leader.

McLean, of Belleville, said he wants to devote more time to his family as well as growing his insurance business. He recently sold his house and is building a new one in Columbia.

Per the party's bylaws, Vice Chairman Steve Amos will take over as party chairman.

McLean has been county chairman for four years.

"The 2010 and 2012 election cycles were a lot of fun,and I hope we can look forward to many more elections like them in years to come," McLean said. "Politics in St. Clair County has never been better."

McLean said he plans to continue being involved in politics.

Amos is a 14-year veteran of the Air Force and graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He is a retired businessman.

Party members in April 2012 unanimously re-elected McLean to a new two-year term at the party's biennial convention in Belleville. State law requires established political parties to hold conventions 29 days after the general primary to elect a new chairman.

Last year, McLean ran unsuccessfully for St. Clair County Board chairman against incumbent Chairman Mark Kern, a Democrat.

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