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* In the wake of Secretary of State Jesse White’s umpteenth announcement that he’s not running for another term yesterday, Aldertrack looks at possible Democratic contenders…
Before the end of the day, Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough expressed her intention to run. “I absolutely do have plans to [run],” Yarbrough told Aldertrack last night. “I’m excited about the possibilities of running and hope that I can put together a team that can help me get there.”
Yarbrough, who is also the Proviso Township Democratic Committeeman and African-American, is likely banking on following White’s path to Secretary of State. In 1998, he was Recorder of Deeds and the 27th Ward Democratic Committeeman. […]
A broad array of other Democrats have privately expressed interest in White’s seat over the years, including State Reps. John Bradley and Brandon Phelps, two of the few elected Democrats from south of I-70. In Chicago, sources say Hyde Park State Sen. Kwame Raoul, as well as Northwest Siders State Reps. Luis Arroyo and John D’Amico have expressed interest. Park Ridge State Sen. Dan Kotowski, a profligate fundraiser, is also a potential candidate. […]
Then there’s also the possibility that Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, or Evanston’s State Sen. Daniel Biss, both already eyeing runs for Illinois Comptroller in 2016, could just pivot now or after losing the statewide election and toss their hats into the ring in 2018.
In my opinion, SOS is the best political job in the state because there’s plenty of patronage without all the headaches of being governor.
So, I can think of probably a half-dozen more Dems just off the top of my head, and even more Republicans. Bruce Rauner’s money means that spot will be ripe for pickup in 2018, particularly if Hillary Clinton or another Democrat wins the presidency next year.
I also expect there to be pressure exerted by some top Dems on Sec. White to run again. We’ll see.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 9:50 am
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Sidecar. Isn’t “patronage” part of the problem in Springfield?
In all my experiences patronage is about synonymous with waste/fraud/abuse.
Comment by cdog Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:02 am
W jesse gone, rutherford can make a comeback!
Comment by Langhorne Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:04 am
===after losing the statewide election and toss their hats into the ring in 2018.====
I would think it would be the opposite. If you win then you get to step up to SOS. If you lose a comptrollers race I wouldn’t think you would be at the head of the line to run for the most prized seat in the state.
Comment by Been There Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:04 am
I think White expected Quinn to win re-election so he could leave mid-term and have some say in his replacement. When Dixon left mid-term, Thompson was Governor and we got Edgar. The rest is history. Now Jesse has no say on his successor.
Comment by Casual Observer Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:06 am
Wow, the recorder of deeds office has been such a model of competence and efficiency we really NEED someone like Yarborough to come in and improve operations as SOS! HEAVY snark intended….
Comment by Arizona Bob Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:06 am
Derrick Smith.
Too soon?!
All kidding aside - this will be a free-for-all.
On the GOP side, I wonder if Dan Rutherford’s ego will convince him to run.
Comptroller makes way more sense for Senator Biss, and it would be a lot easier for him to pull off a statewide bid in a presidential year. He could slide into that role with ease and his brainpower would serve him well. I would bet that Mike Frerichs would want to run. He always seems to aim “higher”. And that would then set off another chain reaction for another statewide office.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:07 am
As an aside - and thinking “out loud” - if Speaker Madigan pulls a “Mangieri” to find a good downstate candidate, then I would not be surprised if the Dems try to recruit Sangamon County Recorder Josh Langfelder to run for SOS. He is young(er), popular and friendly - and he comes from a well-known family. That may seem silly to some, but he would be just as electable for SOS as anyone else.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:13 am
If White changes his mind and runs again, but is unable to stay, would Rauner legally have to appoint a Dem to replace White?
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:20 am
Don’t forget Frerichs. I would expect he’ll take a look at this.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:22 am
The above should state, “…runs again, wins, but unable to complete his term…
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:23 am
Raymond Poe should run for SOS.
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:24 am
=== If White changes his mind and runs again, but is unable to stay, would Rauner legally have to appoint a Dem to replace White? ===
You are assuming that Rauner would be governor. With that said, if Rauner was governor, then the answer is no - he legally wouldn’t have to appoint a Dem.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:24 am
Yarbrough has the pieces in place. Done deal.
Comment by 1776 Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:29 am
Can anyone see Rahm running for SOS?
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:33 am
Profligate? I think they mean prodigious. A’track needs a copyeditor…..
Comment by The Historian Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:34 am
If Jesse really retires, it will be easier to track the politicians who won’t go for that gig.
Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:35 am
Are any H-GOP interested in the SOS post?
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:35 am
I am sure Dan Rutherford would love to run for SOS, but he has to much baggage to win.
Comment by Mama Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 10:48 am
A big plum for Rauner, if he can find the right ally to run.
Andrea Zopp announces she’s more qualified than ….
John Fritchey ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
Andy Andy announces he’s going to root out waste fraud and corruption.
Comment by walker Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:04 am
If anybody asks just say we had a “moderate” turnout.
Comment by Casual Observer Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:08 am
Sorry, wrong thread.
Comment by Casual Observer Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:09 am
On the R side, I would have said Liz Doody Gorman would be a good candidate but she is now in the private sector.
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:27 am
If Bradley runs it would be interesting to see what the Speaker will do. Having a Dem actually from southern Illinois would be good for the 2018 ticket against Rauner. They might need to print out an extra page on the ballot just to get everyone’s name on there. Agree with Rich too. Best job in state government hands down.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:29 am
The Mendoza Tumblers has a nice ring to it. Also sounds like something you’d find at Crate and Barrel.
Comment by nixit71 Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:30 am
Phone calls to potential donors and allies are flying around the state today.
Comment by walker Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 11:35 am
This may be an unfair but being from downstate I would much more prefer to see the next SOS come from somewhere downstate. I can’t help but notice the billions spent on northern counties roads and the pitance by comparison. Spent on maintaining the rest of the state.
That may just be a bias but….I also drive all over the state and my drive always smoother the more north I go.
That aside perfect candidate Darin Lahood. Assuming the bid for the 18th congressional district didn’t pan out.
Comment by Strangerthings Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 12:13 pm
“Can anyone see Rahm running for SOS?”
Absolutely not.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 12:22 pm
Keep in mind that Jesse White never looked at SOS as a springboard to higher office like his predecessors Ryan and Edgar. Even when John Stroger had his stroke and Jesse was offered CC Board president, he declined.Are all these people positioning now looking at SOS as a springboard or are they thinking of being SOS for 2 or more terms like Jesse? It will be interesting to see what ideas are offered up to improve the office since Jesse’s team has kept up with technology and they try to keep folks out of the facilities by offering sticker/driver license renewals on line.
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 12:33 pm
Anon - then you would have to find another Jesse White or even another JBT. JBT likely would have run for Treasurer in 2006 had certain events not transpired. But let’s be honest: there’s nothing wrong with wanting a springboard. The problem I have is when someone views an office as a springboard after only a year or so into a four year term. Alexi G. and Dan Rutherford both let their intentions on way too early and it negatively impacted the Treasurer’s office. There’s nothing wrong with serving into a second term before trying to climb the proverbial ladder. And, in my mind, Mike Frerichs might learn the same harsh lesson as his predecessors if he starts signaling interest too soon.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 12:59 pm
I agree with you Team Sleep. Nothing wrong with using SOS as a springboard.
Comment by anon(12:33 pm) Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 1:12 pm
SOS is one of the least policy offices around. Service is their only product. White has done a good job of making the office more efficient and keeping up with technology, but now it’s time for a greater leap. Instead of us debating current electeds, I think this office, more than any other, is ripe for someone out of the private sector. Someone with a good engineering or operations background who has managed people. Someone who can bring forth businesslike principles with operational experience would be a great candidate for this job. If they have government experience, then that is just gravy on top.
Comment by Lost in Chicago Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 1:30 pm
Arizona Bob, you have obviously been in AZ and not watching Yarbrough’s work recently. She has an amazing outreach program that is helping thousands of Cook County residents protect their homes. Has signed up over 39000 Cook residents in the last two years!
Comment by KGB Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 2:02 pm
Strangerthings, the SOS doesn’t handle road construction. That’s through IDOT. There’s also a 55/45 split between downstate and district 1 for road construction dollars, but that can be a discussion for a different day.
Comment by Juice Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Lots of good Republicans available, and it’s a great office to hold. Most of the perks, almost none of the headaches, and almost instant 80%+ name recognition. I hope we can coalesce around a candidate and take the office.
Comment by steve schnorf Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 2:36 pm
What will be interesting in Chicago is if this is actually Bobby, Danny, and Jesse’s last rodeo. Whole lotta maneuvering will be happening shortly.
Comment by Centennial Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 2:40 pm
It’s too bad he’s retiring-one of the few honest,competent politicians in Illinois state government.
Comment by john doe Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 2:43 pm
I hereby declare my candidacy for Secretary of State in 2018. It’s time to Tournaround Illinois. You saw it here first.
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 3:06 pm
**if Speaker Madigan pulls a “Mangieri” to find a good downstate candidate**
How’d that work out for the Speaker when he did with Magieri?
Comment by AlabamaShake Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 3:56 pm
Shake - had then-Senator Obama not convinced Alexi to join the race, Mangieri would likely not have had a primary race and could have won the open Treasurer’s post.
Mangieri was not a good candidate. He is a nice guy but not the right person to run on a statewide slate.
Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Aug 21, 15 @ 3:58 pm