Secretary of State Jesse White has been saying for at least the past two years that this fourth term would be his last. By the end of this term he’ll be the longest-serving secretary of state in the history of Illinois. It seemed like a good way to go out.
“This is my last run for public office,” White told the Chicago Defender just before the November election.
“I think I am going to spend time working with the Jesse White Foundation,” he said. The Chicago City Council recently voted to spend $10 million on a training facility for the Jesse White Tumblers, his signature group for inner-city youth. White’s foundation is supposed to kick in $5 million.
The new facility would be part of White’s significant legacy. Most people wouldn’t even drive near Chicago’s old Cabrini Green public housing complex. White went in there and recruited those kids, trained them to do superhuman feats and not only kept them out of trouble, but showed them how to make a life for themselves and their community.
Young boys who were looking at a miserable existence at the bottom of society’s ladder were given a chance to make it in the world. Only a tiny few have disappointed. The overwhelming majority have gone on to be productive, decent citizens. The impact White has had on those kids is truly one of the miracles of our time.
But I’d been hearing for a couple of months that White was thinking about running yet again when this term is up in 2014. I made some calls and was told by a few trusted insiders to just let it go for now. White and his top people simply were experiencing the rush of yet another big victory and eventually would calm down and White would retire.
So, I decided to bide my time and wait him out. But the rumors persisted and I eventually decided that holding off until March was long enough. It had been, after all, more than five months since his latest landslide victory. Surely that was enough time for White to put things into perspective.
I put in a call and asked to speak to the man himself. He called me back and confirmed the rumors I’d been hearing. White said he was “leaning toward” another run in 2014.
White told me he was “encouraged to rethink” his decision after being “inundated” with pleas to run again. White claimed people have telephoned, e-mailed, “stopped me in the street, stopped me in meetings” and asked him to reconsider his decision because, White said, the office is running well and they don’t want it to deteriorate again.
Some insiders say, however, that a few of White’s top staff members also have been quietly urging him on for their own personal reasons.
Whatever the case, if White does decide to run again, a whole lot of people in both parties are going to be pretty darned depressed. White has proved to be unbeatable in the office. He won all 102 counties in 2002, and his lowest vote share was the solid 55 percent he received the first time he ran in 1998. He has been the top statewide vote-getter in the last three election cycles.
But a line has formed around the block for 2014 as most folks in both parties expected that White would keep his word and leave office.
“I feel good,” White said, joking that, at 76, he was still a “youthful, young person.” He will be 84 at the end of a fifth term in 2019. But the man literally still can do handstands. He’s no spring chicken, but he’s in better shape than most of the people who want to replace him — and most of the rest of us, for that matter.
White said he hasn’t set a time frame for making a final decision.
“I’m leaning toward it right now primarily because of the wishes and desires of the people of the state of Illinois,” he said. “Plus, I enjoy public service. I love public service.”
Asked about all those potential candidates who’ve been queuing up to run for the office for the past several years, White quipped, “I expect when the time comes, there will be about 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans vying for the job.”
That may be an understatement.
- ChicagoFirst - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:18 am:
As long as Jesse White is healthy (mentally and physically) he has my vote. I’ve never experience any issues at the DMV and absolutely love that (as far as I know) he still makes appearances with the Jesse White Tumblers. I’ve seen him perform with the Tumblers during half time at the United Center (nearly a decade before I could register to vote), at Millennium Park, and outside of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. He’s the states most popular elected official and with good reason - he’s principled, athletic, and gets the job done.
- Pat collins - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:40 am:
Run, Jesse, run.
If nothing else, frustrating all the SoS wannabes is reason enough.
And, frankly, (without implying any wrong doing) I’ll bet the foundation fund raising goes better if he’s in office.
So go for it!
- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 6:39 am:
I like Jesse and believe he’s done an excellent job. However, there comes a time when others need an opportunity. Four is enough.
- Excessively Rabid - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 7:07 am:
He’s served long enough. I voted for him each time but I won’t do so again unless the GOP nominates a complete yahoo. Oh, wait….
- Newsclown - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 7:23 am:
The best thing for the party is to start bringing up someone new.
I loved going to the Beach Boys’ concerts too, but at a certain point, I had to let them go. Better to go out on top than to fall apart.
- Downstate Commissioner - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 7:29 am:
No. He’s 76 now and in good shape. So was my dad. At 80, aging finally caught up to him, and he wasn’t just slowing down, he was no longer able to handle the stresses of a full-time job; the same thing will eventually happen to Jesse… and all of the rest of us.
I would probably vote for Jesse if he runs again, but he should step down while he is on top.
- Way Way Down Here - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 7:46 am:
Love the guy. First saw the tumblers in ‘78 at a street fair near Carbini Green. But at 84 the top staff will be running the office and not Jesse.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:09 am:
Sure, why not? Age is relative. If you want to beat the champ, you have to knock him out.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:24 am:
I don’t think anyone should serve more than two terms at any elected position. I also think age is a factor, is he really running the office or is top staff?
- jake - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:29 am:
I think he has earned the right to do whatever he feels is the right thing for him without a lot of second-guessing, until the time that he shows some signs of not being able to do a good job in office, which is not yet.
- Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:31 am:
JW has done a fine job during his tenure in office, however an 80 yo candidate does not appeal to me.
I wish him the best and hope he is able to go out on top.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:32 am:
As long as his health holds out and he feels he can continue to perform the functions of the office effectively, Jesse White, like anyone else, should be able to hold themselves out for election by the public.
- Ghost of John Brown - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:37 am:
As a Republican (which I am), I wish he would step down. The only person crazy enough to run against Jesse White was someone that had absolutely no chance to win.
If I was a Democrat, I would be torn. As stated above, the position is his to have if he runs barring some monumental problem with the SOS office. On the other hand, the SOS office has been a stepping stone for those running for higher office. If I was in charge of the Dem. Party, I would want someone to come in that could build a resume for Governor someday.
The SOS office is not exactly “political” in nature - more administrative. There are a ton of people that could hold that office and do a fine job. On the other hand, there are VERY few that have been able to do the things that Jesse White has done in disadvantaged neighborhoods. I would love to see him step down and put his full attention there.
Either way - godspeed.
- 44 - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:38 am:
A simple look at what the pre-Jesse White Secretary of State’s office (a cesspool of corruption mingling with gubernatorial ambition) and what that office is under Jesse White (a model of government efficiency) is enough to let him run for this office as many times as he wants.
- Fed-Up - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:40 am:
Let it go Jesse.
- Ghost - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:46 am:
I think he should run again.
If you get a chance to watch him at work you can tell he genuinely cares about the job he is doing. He is the ideal public servant who falls on the side of serving the public more then the power.
Its the little things, like having a drawer of candy an stopping to meet with the kids touring through the capital; and having a drawer of plastic toys for the dibaetic kids who cant have candy.
- CircularFiringSquad - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:49 am:
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
The office is humming along, Jesse is beyond the hustle that any newcomer would bring in. The GOPers already have two offices. Roger Keats has moved to Texas.So they really don’t need anymore
- Bill - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 8:55 am:
Hey, check out roeser’s blog. He’s slamming capfax and barton.
- soccermom - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:10 am:
Bill, some stuff is not worth dignifying with an answer.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:20 am:
I think White should exit the stage gracefully after this term. He learned a lot from his mentor George Dunne, another leader who held on past his 80th birthday, and remained sharp as a tack.
Even though he appears totally capable of continuing as SoS, you have to wonder about his motivation. What’s left to accomplish in office? Wouldn’t retirement and the Tumblers offer him something good to keep him occupied in retirement?
Heck, if I could, I’d retire tomorrow. I don’t understand people who still work past retirement age. I have other things I’d like to do after I’m done earning money, and life is too short. But that’s just me.
- JellyBean - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:21 am:
No. His age and potential health issues are of concern.
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:27 am:
I love Jesse White. I voted no, only because I think the man deserves to rest and retire. However, if he would prefer to stay in office, I will 100% be voting for him again.
- 3rd Generation Chicago - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:28 am:
Yes he should run again. There have not been any controversies or issues that would keep him from running. Also there does not seem to be any good candidates to take over. I can’t even remember who challanged him last election.
- Pete Granata - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:30 am:
Jesse is the last of the real class guys in the business. Run again Jesse ! Proud to have a Jesse White sign in my home office.
- Thoughts... - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:32 am:
I love Jesse and as long as he’s running and in full capability, he’ll get my vote.
That said, as a D, I don’t think he should run again. Dems need to bulk up their bench behind Lisa. The longevity of LMM (who gets my vote forever for any office), White and until recently, Dan Hynes, has had a stifling effect on developing the prospects. There’s some good ones in the farm system (certainly better than the Rs at this point), but because of that longevity, some ran out of options and had to be cut, etc. in 2014, It’ll be time to bring some of the kids up to see if they can play.
- downstate hack - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:32 am:
I voted No, because I believe he could do more good out of office as a Statesman who could openly comment on the ongoing saga that is Illinois State government. He is one of the few truly respected Illinois politicians and his voice of reason may actually improve the performance of our legislative bodies, if he was free to open discourse.
- nothing's easy - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:34 am:
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…especially in the SoS office…Illinois SoS history is reason enough to stay with a known commodity.
- Spring - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:34 am:
Better to pay him to work than a pension to retire. As for improvements, he should work on privitizing the clean air testing, less cost, less state employees, a bunch of other states have figured that out.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:39 am:
–I don’t understand people who still work past retirement age.–
Some people can’t do it, their work is everything.
My old man retired, went back to the old country to visit for a couple of months, came home and drove himself and everyone else nuts. He was back working four months later. He dropped dead on a Sunday morning while on the phone, laughing and joking, lining up a job. He was happy.
- shore - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:41 am:
Yes. I’m a republican, but it took about 20 seconds to renew my drivers license online so barring any weirdness I have no problem with him sticking around. We haven’t had a lot of winners lately but he is one. I was kind of surprised he wasn’t mentioned as a candidate for mayor of chicago.
- Belle - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:46 am:
Love Jesse and have always voted for him but went with no.
I ran into him once at Northwestern Memorial. I had recently received my TY letter for organ donation so I approached him to comment and his guards immediately backed off while he shook my hand to say thank you. Anyone I know who has encountered him in person has a similar story about his welcoming persona. He’s a cool guy.
But, sometimes it is time to leave the party.
- Torn - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:46 am:
Love the guy but time to say “bye”. Staff runs the office now, Jesse is a figure head. His legacy is in tact and time should bring about a change. He needs to work on a succession plan. Why don’t politicians do this? Walter Burnett ain’t it. Nice guy but doesn’t have the appeal. Those who say “age ain’t nothin but a number” are in denial. Keep living.
- Stones - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:47 am:
As long as he can do the job why shouldn’t he run. He is well liked and respected by folks in both parties. That is rare indeed in this political climate.
I met Jessie White several times when he was a State Rep back in the ’70’s. Definitely one of the nicest guys in the legislature. I hope he sticks around.
- Justice - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:48 am:
He has done well.
We are grateful for your service, your integrity, and your genuine caring. Now is time to pass the torch to someone with new ideas and new energy.
- AlphaBettor - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:52 am:
Before Jesse White, SoS office was occupied by corrupt time-servers waiting for a bigger opportunity. White actually WANTS to be Secretary of State, and he’s done a good job. I’ll vote for him just to keep the job away from another hack like Paul Powell or George Ryan.
- Beowulf - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 9:52 am:
I voted for him in the past even though I am a Republican. He hasn’t been tarnished by any charges of corruption. I may be wrong but I hold him to be the kind of guy who has a sense of honor. I believe he would stand up against his own Democrat Party leadership if he was asked to do something that went against his conscience. His office seems to run relatively smoothly. Why get rid of a ggod guy if he does his job satisfactorily? Besides, this is Illinois and since we voters “mentally” have the bar set so low for our elected officials, I don’t want to lose even one honest guy. They seem to be a rare commodity in our state.
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:03 am:
His choice, of course.
BUT.
I always believe that a leader and great manager trains his replacement. But if the boss wants to stick around forever, how many bright, motivated people will stick around forever?
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:04 am:
Voted for Jesse every time that I could, including this past November. That being said, I will not cast a vote for him again. Call it ageism, but I do not believe that he will be able to put his full energy into the duties, almost eight years from now at the end of the second term. I will not elect someone who may step down (or perhaps worse, hopefully not) mid-term.
- LakeviewJ - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:06 am:
I like him, I like the work he does. I see no reason to force him aside to fill the office with an unknown.
- reformer - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:08 am:
If memory serves, White said early on we wanted just two terms as SoS.
The upside of him running again is the GOP has no chance for the office so long as Jesse’s there.
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:11 am:
One more off-topic point. I don’t believe any facility built with public funds should be named after anyone that hasn’t been dead for 20 years.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:11 am:
–But if the boss wants to stick around forever, how many bright, motivated people will stick around forever?–
It’s an elected office. He doesn’t choose his replacement.
I don’t think I’ve noticed any mass exodus from the office, none of whom would have a chance at winning that prize when it becomes available, anyway.
- lincolnlover - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:16 am:
He has been an excellent public steward, but 76 is too old.
- Cincinnatus - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:21 am:
wordslinger,
You don’t think so? He can groom a replacement, even if that person does not work at SoS. Think how a young Alexi could benefit from the tutelage of Jesse While. Heck, Obama should probably spent a couple of years at his knee…
- BarsnTone - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:26 am:
Jesse White is basically the Betty White of Illinois politics. He can do no wrong, say no wrong, everyone loves him, even about half the state’s Republican electorate. Absent those facts, he’s got the Tumblers! If a man can teach inner-city youths to backflip surely he can handle handing out drivers licenses and car stickers.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:27 am:
–Heck, Obama should probably spent a couple of years at his knee..–
Yeah, he might have gotten somewhere.
Your point was that he should groom his replacement. It doesn’t work that way for that office.
- D.P. Gumby - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 10:58 am:
Given the historic problems w/ SOS, he’s made it run fine. Let him run as long as he’s competent to do so. I’d vote for him again.
- Surge voter - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:05 am:
Jesse White was the only statewide official who refused to support the civil union bill. If he decides to run again, look for that to be a huge issue in his primary. The progressive community was disappointed to say the least and they will not forget his turning his back on the GLBT community.
- ChicagoR - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:16 am:
“Hey, check out roeser’s blog. He’s slamming capfax and barton.”
If you’re being criticized by a Roeser, you know you’re doing it right.
- Esquire - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:21 am:
Praise for Jesse White? C’mon Rich, the man was a part of the Chicago Cubs organization! You call yourself a White Sox fan? Sheesh!
Few will remember this now, White succeeded Carol Moseley Braun as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 1992. His staff straightened out the mess in that office and customer service complaints dropped considerably. Braun took her ineptitude to the US Senate that year.
- Mike Huntoon - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:43 am:
As long as Mr White wishes to remain in office, he has my vote. Prior to his time in office going to get a license was as much fun as a trip to the dentist (sans Novocaine) - straightening out that mess has earned my continued support.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:44 am:
I voted yes. I’ve pretty much assumed that Mr. White’s staff run the office any way. He has plenty of close advisors who are capable of running the day-to-day operations and making the important decisions. He represents a good, senior statesman for not only Illinois but his party. His office has been fairly scandal free. The only time I haven’t voted for him (other than 1998, when I forgot to register to vote) was 2006, and that was because I am a Dan Rutherford supporter.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 11:54 am:
As long as he’s mentally and physically up to it, yes, he should run again. Is a cutoff age listed anywhere in the state constitution?
I also think he’s done a great job in the office of SoS, compared the corruption of George Ryan. He’s accomplished a lot in toughening restrictions for teen drivers, solving most of the handicapped parking abuses, and making a trip to the DMV less painful than one to the dentist. I’ll vote for him, again.
- x ace - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:09 pm:
Nice guy - but office is poorly run - if you got to put up ” no profanity ” signs , you ain’t doing much right. Getting mad shouldn’t be a side effect of every trip to SOS.
- Robert - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:21 pm:
I voted yes - there’s always a chance we’ll elect a crook to the office, so the longer Jesse White stays there, the better.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:28 pm:
I love how Jesse White has done his job, he is a class act, no doubt. However, sometimes you have to know when it is time. I voted no, because, I think it is time for someone new, but if the SoS is on the ballot in 2014, I would still vote for him.
- truthman - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:38 pm:
Saw Jesse last night at the Bulls game……he was greeted like a rock star and was with a very attractive friend!
- Fed up - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:45 pm:
I met Jessie white and he seems to be competent so I wouldn’t be opposed to his running again. As far as grooming his replacement Jessie has followed the crooknco tradition and employed several family members in his office so it might not be the end of the line.
- Anon3 - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:50 pm:
I will vote for him again. Over all he runs a good shop. I would bet all of his top staff would love to get four more years closer to retirement on his coat tails, too.
- amalia - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 12:59 pm:
No. things aren’t as great as in the office as the claims that fly around. have you read the rules of the road book lately?
- frustrated GOP - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 1:09 pm:
Jesse’s done well, but time for new blood. who cares if his top people need a couple of years for retirement. I seem to recall Edgar did a few good things for the office, George brought in organ donation.
Perhaps he would leave if someone gaurenteed the tumblers the current police escort they currently receive.
- Obamalac - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 1:24 pm:
When I tested for my truck license in the ’60s the SOS guy was half drunk. When I got my license plates for my Model 62 1963 Cadillac in 1976 the SOS guy said “A 63 cannot be a Model 62″ so he wrote in “Deville.” From then on I drove to a sleepy farm town 25 miles away from the mess to do SOS business as it wasn’t as bad.
I can’t look at a shoebox without thinking of Paul Powell back when they had you make out your checks TO Paul Powell himself. It’s working well and he is too so don’t put in another Ryan, Blago, Boland or such!
- Barton Miller - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 1:46 pm:
I like Jesse, but I think people should stick to their word. If there was a chance he would reconsider, he should not have made a declaration. Whatever happened to a man’s word being his bond.
- Dirt Digger - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 1:46 pm:
I have no opinion on whether he should or should not run.
But based on the pathetic showing Ds made in the down ballot statewides last year I am not at all surprised he’s being asked to run again.
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 2:12 pm:
I am conflicted. I think the inevitable loss of JW when he does retire is worrisome. The SoS office is prime corruption territory and Illinois has enjoyed some respite from that. I certainly wish the best for Sec’y White. He should stay as long as he wishes. If the electorate think he is too old they should vote him out. Ain’t gonna happen, tho. His vote tallies prove that.
Run Jesse Run!
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 2:56 pm:
I hold him in the highest esteem, but feel he deserves to collect his pension after many years of fine public service.
Make way for a new face…leave while your reputation is good, etc.
I am sure he will continue to do good in the public realm after his exit from State government…
- zatoichi - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 3:55 pm:
His choice as he pleases. SOS runs well, has no known catastrophes hitting the news, go to an office and the service is pretty good. If he can pull it off, good for him. The age stuff means nothing as long as he does the job.
- Richard Afflis - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:03 pm:
Like a lot of other people, I truly feel that Jesse White is like no other public servant. His sincerity to serve and make things better are not likely to be seen any time soon. He is approachable, responsive, and has a wonderful moral compass- especially for being in public service.
I think he has more than contributed his share and has earned his rest if he wants it. I would also love to hear him speak more freely than he does now. He has etched a legacy for integrity that he can shine in if he chooses to retire.
I voted no for him running again. If he does decide to run again, I am pretty sure I would vote for him given his integrity and his good public service. He has earned the vote even if he runs at age 80.
- In the Sticks - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:25 pm:
It is time for Jesse to focus entirely on the tumblers without the necessity to involve himself to any extent with SoS. It is time to move onto public service that does not involve a paycheck (a retirement check or two of course).
Employment is not necessary to accomplish great things.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:25 pm:
Let’s see, he’s a competent Secretary of State who hasn’t used the office as a vehicle to fundraise or run for higher office?
Can I still vote for him after he passes away?
- Ain't No Justice - Tuesday, Mar 29, 11 @ 5:39 pm:
Barton, as for Jesse’s “word”…you could ask John Shimkus the same thing!
- Jon Zahm - Wednesday, Mar 30, 11 @ 12:59 am:
He is not clean and honest:
From an old Cap fax Report:
The Tribune finally picks up on a Crain’s series from much earlier this month.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said Monday his decision to promote his daughter to a $112,000-a-year job and employ other relatives should not be compared to the corruption scandal that brought down his predecessor.
White said he did not pressure anyone to hire at least five of his relatives and sees nothing wrong with his office employing them as long as they are qualified for the jobs.
“If I did something improper to hire them, there would be something wrong with that,” White said. “I did nothing improper.” […]
“I don’t know if this stuff is illegal, that’s for a U.S. attorney somewhere to determine, but it doesn’t pass the smell test,” Rutherford said.
Retire. The Sun Times once exposed a contract he gave a much younger girlfriend.