Robert Rita

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Robert Rita
Image:RobertRita.jpg
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 28th district
In office 2002 -

Born	October 2, 1969 (1969-10-02) (age 38) Oak Lawn, Illinois
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	divorced
Profession	heavy equipment operator
Religion	Roman Catholic

Robert Rita is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 28th District since 2002. He has been re-elected three times. Rita is also a trustee in Calumet Township. He is the son of Calumet Township Democratic committeeman John Rita. His district includes parts of Chicago's 9th and 34th wards, as well as several suburbs. Rita lists economic redevelopment, equitable school funding and increased health care availability as his top priorities in the state legislature. Rita is an Operating Engineer and a member of Local #150.

Rita has been re-elected twice, and has won the 2008 Democratic primary. The district is heavily Democratic, so his re-election in November 2008 is nearly certain. Rita's opponent in the February 5, 2008 primary, Earick Rayburn, was backed by William Dugan - head of Operating Engineers Union Local 150. The union contributed nearly $100,000 to Rayburn's campaign.^[1]^[2] Rita defeated Rayburn by a margin of more than 3-to-1 in the primary, and received about 60% of the vote in a five candidate race.^[3]