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* I was asked about this last December after my City Club speech and pretty much predicted a “draft Jesse” push by top Democrats, including Speaker Madigan…
But White, who’s been in public office since 1975, says he’s been satisfied with being Secretary of State. And though he’s been on record saying he won’t seek re-election in 2018, White tells Jim and me that the Democratic Party may still draft him for one more run.
Steve Brown, a spokesman for the Illinois Democratic Party, says he’s not aware of a formal movement by the state party to draft White to run for Secretary of State again. But Brown says White’s name is “certainly in the conversation as people think about who should be candidates” in 2018.
“We’d be well-served if he considered to run again,” Brown says.
Good idea or not?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:25 am
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Nooooo. He’s been a good public servant but it’s time to give someone else a chance.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:27 am
Not a good idea. He’s well loved, but it’s time to move on. Better to retire at a high point, then languish later.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:27 am
Sure! Anyone who can reform the Secretary of State office deserves a lot of credit.
Comment by John Doe Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:28 am
He’s been one of the most honest and competent figures in Illinois government for many years now. But let the man retire with a good record. He deserves it.
Comment by IllinoisBoi Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:32 am
Jesse White has proven to be unbeatable.
It would keep the Dem’s logjam as it is…
I think the more interesting and monumental “say put” would be Lisa Madigan staying and running for re-elect.
You could have, if the novice Mendoza Crew decided to actually know how to message and win, Lisa, Jesse, Susanna, and Frerichs locked in as the slate.
If Frerichs is foolish enough to take on Rauner, he will lose, it will be over, so staying would make sense.
But… back to Jesse White… it’s his nomination for re-election until he actually decides not to run, so why not, “today” leave it that he’s not a lame duck because “who can beat him right now?”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:33 am
It’s the logical and smartest choice for putting a full frontal attack on Rauner in 2018. With so many interested candidates wanting to run, I don’t know if it would be possible to unite the whole Democratic Party after that brutal primary.
Now just need to find somebody to run against Rauner…
Comment by Almost the Weekend Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:33 am
I’ve had probably a dozen conversations in the last two months about this upcoming race and after walking through the many likely candidates I’ve always ended with ” … but it doesn’t matter, I still believe Jesse White is going to run again until he proves me wrong.”
My recollection is that prior to the 2014 cycle he told the Rockford Register Star that he wasn’t going to run again but then ran again in 2014. It’s in his blood.
Comment by The Captain Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:37 am
People have been wanting him to move on for a long time, but if he runs, he wins. Less $$ and resources tied up in that race and more for the battle against the Bruce.
Comment by he's right Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:37 am
He is respected but needs to be allowed to retire on his own terms and to gracefully turn the reins over to someone else in 2018.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:37 am
That office hasn’t changed in 20 years, time for some young tech person to run it.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:43 am
That Brown is a F* genius. The move avoids a log jam in the D Primary and helps juice turnout against the BigBrains — if they are even in the mix by then.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:43 am
He should run again. If nothing else so that precious resources will not have to be wasted fighting for that office. All $ needs to be focused on making sure Rauner is defeated.
Comment by Saluki Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:45 am
Why not? Give the people what they want.
Annonin, take it easy with the praise. Just saying. Some of our CFS decoder rings work.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:47 am
==That office hasn’t changed in 20 years, time for some young tech person to run it.==
This. Its stuck in the stone age in terms of use of technology and internet, especially compared to other States.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:54 am
=You could have, if the novice Mendoza Crew decided to actually know how to message and win, Lisa, Jesse, Susanna, and Frerichs locked in as the slate.=
Maybe Mendoza can get her political pal A. Schock to return the favor of and support her candidacy.
Comment by Qui Tam Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 12:17 pm
Good idea? Not in the least. Strategic idea. Absolutely. For all the reasons listed above. He locks it down. Good for the short term with Dems, but not the long term. That used to be the best spring board to higher office there was. Not since Jesse took over. He has reformed that office. That’s good.
If one believes that these cycles are the best for the Dems, this would be the time to promote another. If they’re feeling vulnerable about winning it; that’s not so good.
He’s a good man. It’s time to retire. Actually it was time last time. If he runs, he won’t go tumblin’ down. He’ll win. The party? Not so sure.
Comment by A guy Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 12:21 pm
I do not want to see Jesse White being propped up like the aged US Senator Strom Thurmond.
Retire with dignity, Jesse, it’s time and you have nothing left to prove.
Comment by Anon Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 12:34 pm
It’s probably best that he call it a career. I respect Secretary White for all of his service - both as a public servant and military veteran. However, he has done enough for our state. It’s time to pass the torch.
Comment by The Muse Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 12:38 pm
No. Hard to not like Jesse, but it’s not about him. The term limit amendment we need is one for the constitutional officers, limiting service to basically 10 years, similar to the US rule for President. And eliminate the Lt Gov at the same time.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 1:18 pm
No, we need someone who is capable of moving our system into the 21st century. I think White is just one of the good old boys who is essentially going to keep things the way they are.
Comment by Ahoy! Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 1:46 pm
This gives the Republicans something to think about, particularly as candidates are silently floating their nominations now… It’ll chill some higher-profile Republicans from jumping in. Oswego Willy has a great post @11:33. Stay tuned IL!
Comment by Reformed Public Servant Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 2:24 pm
Let the people decide if he should be elected to another term. Isn’t that the way democracy works?
Comment by Joe M Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 2:40 pm
I heard Jesse is retiring because he is not in good health. If his health is bad, I can’t see Jesse agreeing to run again.
Comment by Mama Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 3:36 pm
Are they talking about him as a candidate for re-election to the SOS spot? Or run again as a candidate for something else…like, say, governor?
Comment by Curious Georgina Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 3:39 pm
He should either run for governor or retire.
Comment by U-Turn agenda victim Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 4:23 pm
One of the most decent, honorable men in government today. His contributions to the Army, Cubs, school kids, Tumblers and the SOS are beyond any other politician in Illinois. Time to retire? That’s his choice!
Comment by BBG Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 4:50 pm
I have nothing for respect for Mr White. He has improved the DMV, and my last few visits have been easy and quick. I remember the long waits and slow service that made a trip to the DMV a wasted day for anything else productive.
He is the only politician I can remember that everyone seems to like and say only positive things about. Whatever he decides, I would more than likely vote for him, again.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 6:51 pm
Late to the game here but Word +1 bigtime.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I think in exchange for his many years of military and public service that Jesse White should solely make the call on when he retires. If he wants another term, then he should toss his hat in the ring and go for it. The tech capabilities of the Office can and should be debated on the campaign trail. It’s only fair to note that Jesse has gone along with every budget reduction, freeze, you name it going back to Blago; that can affect the ability to roll out new gadgets and gizmos.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 10:28 pm
It is important for people to know and remember that Secretary White makes do with whatever budget the General Assembly gives to him. And for many years the SOS budget has been much less than asked for, usually accompanied by unfunded mandates like the GA likes to pass out to State agencies, schools, etc. If the SOS is not on top of the latest and greatest technology, place blame where blame belongs - back on the legislature and in some cases, the Office of the Governor. License, title, and other SOS fees are dictated to that office by the GA. I should be so lucky to be blessed with the physical and mental health Secretary White has when I am his age. Jesse White definitely has my vote should he choose to run again for Secretary of State.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Apr 18, 16 @ 11:41 pm
I must not know him like you all do. I admire the military service and Tumblers, etc..but he’s overstayed. No one should be in elected positions for over 40 years! He has had lots of questionable personnel problems and issues, not to mention patronage…yes, it wasn’t just George Ryan’s game. Also, he closed several offices in underserved communities. Guess I don’t get the hero worship here. Obviously the Dems have something up their sleeve with this latest move. If Steve Brown says it - it must be so, right? Snark.
Comment by Northern Light Tuesday, Apr 19, 16 @ 12:30 am
Thanks Anonymous you said it all. Mailing sticker reminders how retro.
Comment by scott aster Tuesday, Apr 19, 16 @ 4:30 am