Former Sen. Dixon's son reflects on late father's career

Former U.S. Senator Alan Dixon's son reflected on his late father's life and career Monday night. Dixon died Sunday at his Fairview Heights home, one day before his 87th birthday.

"He always wanted to be a United States Senator growing up and when he was in college. That was his goal and when he got there, he wanted to bring everything back to the state of Illinois that he could for his home state," said Jeff Dixon, Alan Dixon's son.

Politics was in Alan Dixon's blood. He served in the U.S. senate from 1981 to 1993. Before that, there were years in the Illinois House and Senate. He was also Illinois State Treasurer and Illinois Secretary of State.

Dixon was recently hospitalized with heart problems, but he was sent home when his condition improved.