By Eric Timmons, etimmons@qconline.com

Local state representatives were sworn in as members of the 98th Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday.

State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, took his seat as the new District 71 state representative. He replaces former state Rep. Rich Morthland, R-Cordova, who lost in the November election.

Returning to Springfield for new terms were state Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan, for District 72, and state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, for state senate District 36.

Sen. Jacobs now has served in the Illinois Senate since 2005. Rep. Verschoore has served in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2003.