Bill Daley Explores Run for IL Governor


Former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley is officially exploring a run for Illinois governor in 2014. Daley announced Tuesday in a web video that he has formed an exploratory committee for the race. Watch the video below:

Daley’s announcement was met with swift reaction from the governor and other potential gubernatorial candidates. Here’s what they had to say:

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Pat Quinn:

“After 10 years with no capital construction program, Gov. Quinn fought for and signed into law the largest capital construction program in state history which is putting hundreds of thousands of people back to work building roads, schools and bridges. Gov. Quinn delivered landmark education reform that is a model for the nation; strong, new ethics laws to clean up corruption and recently, legislation to extend health insurance to thousands of people who don’t have it.

“Gov. Quinn continues to lead the fight for comprehensive pension reform, marriage equality and gun-safety and he will not stop fighting until these are law.
“With the primary in March, the governor is focused on working hard for the people of Illinois – there will be plenty of time for politics in the future.”

Lisa Madigan

"Attorney General Madigan has made it clear that she is seriously considering a run for governor, but her first priority is focusing on her job as attorney general.

This is an interesting move given that polls have shown Mr. Daley does not fare well either in a two- or three-way race."

Bruce Rauner

“I respect Bill Daley and welcome him to the governor’s race. Unfortunately, one more candidate from the entrenched Illinois political power structure doesn’t hold much promise for fixing our serious problems. The same old political dynasties have literally had decades to address our economic decline, our pension disaster, and our failing schools. They haven’t done the job. Illinoisans aren’t going to fall for that again. We need a clean break from the political machines that have been in charge for too long. It’s time to clean house, shake up Springfield, and bring back Illinois.”

Watch Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm for more on this story.

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