Robert "Bob" Rita (born October 2, 1969) is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 28th District since January 8, 2003.
[citation needed] His state representative 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.
His opponent in the February 5, 2008 Democratic primary, Earick Rayburn, was backed by William Dugan - then-head of Operating Engineers Union Local 150.
[2][3] 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.