SPRINGFIELD - Senate President Emil Jones is expected to announce his retirement Monday.

The Chicago Democrat's anticipated departure, confirmed by Democratic members of the Senate Monday, will touch off a scramble for power in the General Assembly's upper chamber.

Among those who could be vying to grab the gavel are Sens. John Cullerton of Chicago, James Clayborne of Belleville, Terry Link of Vernon Hills and Rickey Hendon of Chicago.

State Sen. Deanna Demuzio, D-Carlinville, said Monday that Jones made calls to Senate Democrats over the weekend to let them know about his decision. She said he'll likely be around at least through the November elections.

"He'll be an active player," she said.

Jones, 72, launched his General Assembly career in 1973. He first served in the House and then moved to the Senate, where he took over as Senate president in 2003 after years in the minority party.

In his role as leader of the Senate, Jones has been a key ally of Gov. Rod Blagojevich at a time when the governor has feuded with House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.

His exodus could cause a seismic shift in the political tenor of the Statehouse, which has been plagued by gridlock in recent years because of infighting among Democrats.

Jones served as a political mentor to Barack Obama, who served in the Illinois Senate before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2006. The two are set to meet up again in Denver next week to kick-off Obama's coronation as the Democratic nominee for president.

Demuzio said Senate Democrats from downstate have already been on the phone with each other, forming a plan to have influence in the selection of a replacement for Jones.

"We anticipate playing a major role in that," she said. "We'll be sticking together."

Jones has been a strong advocate for boosting school funding. But he also has generated frustration among some of his members, most recently by pushing for a legislative pay hike. The salary boost was defeated by the Senate last week, with Jones voting "present" on the matter.

He also opposed efforts by some lawmakers who were attempting to freeze utility rates when they jumped a year ago.

Demuzio acknowledges Jones' actions over the past several years have drawn considerable controversy, but said his accomplishment of getting 37 Democrats in the Senate to the Republicans' 22 was an impressive political feat.

"That's a major accomplishment for anyone," she said.