SPRINGFIELD - Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson made an emotional return to the Illinois Capitol on Thursday after suffering a stroke more than a month ago. | New leadership elected in state Senate

The Greenville Republican said he's working in therapy on both his motor skills and speech.

Watson spoke clearly Thursday and used the assistance of several Senate chairs to walk from his desk to a gathering of reporters in the Senate press gallery.

Frank Watson

The longtime senator broke down in tears talking about his father, as well as former state Sen. John Maitland of Bloomington, both of whom suffered strokes.

"John is still in a wheelchair and can't talk and my dad is the same way," Watson said through tears.

Watson spent time on the Senate floor talking to Democratic Senate President Emil Jones of Chicago and state Sen. Christine Radogno, who was elected Wednesday night to succeed Watson as leader of the Senate Republicans next year.

Watson, who suffered the stroke Oct. 17 while on the campaign trail in southern Illinois, said he'll continue with rehab and decide in the future whether to finish serving his current term.

"I'll wait to see what happens," he said.