Former Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) speaks at Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair last August. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

Former Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) is not yet 40 years old but closed the book this month on a 10-year career in the Illinois House that concluded with an unsuccessful run for treasurer.  

After a long legislative career that put him at the front of key Republican negotiations on budgets, Demmer said he’s ready for his post-General Assembly life even after a tough election loss.