Again with the Bill Daley for governor thing?
Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Keith Koeneman lists the reasons why Bill Daley will run for governor in 2014…
First, for the only time in 22 years, his older brother Rich is not mayor of Chicago. This will remove the stigma of one family having too much political control. Bill Daley can run as his own man and let the voters decide.
Second, Daley has nothing left to prove in his other chosen professions. He has had great success as a government official, political consigliore and businessman. A resume which includes U.S. Secretary of Commerce, White House chief of staff and Vice Chairman and member of the executive committee at JPMorgan Chase does not need any more bulking up. Daley is an ambitious man and winning elective office is one of his few life goals that he has yet to accomplish.
Finally, Daley has a good chance of winning the next race for governor of Illinois. Pat Quinn, the current governor, has a dismal approval rating of 30% and sixty percent of Illinois voters disapprove of his performance. Quinn is a nice man, but lacks the necessary leadership strength to govern. Illinois needs a more effective chief executive in order to begin working its way out of it unsustainable budget deficits and outrageous pension liabilities. There is a very low probability that Quinn will be re-elected as governor.
This political vacuum will present Daley with the opportunity to challenge Quinn to become the Democratic candidate. Daley has the fundraising expertise, political savvy and connections to win the primary. Daley would also stack up well against the likely Republican opponents he might face in the general election. His corporate experience and moderate social views would make him an attractive candidate for both business executives and middle-of-the-road voters.
Thoughts?
- Louis Howe - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 5:50 am:
As much as I personally like Quinn, and share many of his political views, he doesn’t have the executive management skills necessary to run state government. Bill Daley isn’t my kind of “public servant” but if he can make the “trains run on time,” then perhaps he’s our man in 2014. One thing for sure, Quinn needs to go.
- Skeeter - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 6:49 am:
Sure, we can vote for Bill Daley, and then he can manage Illinois like he managed Gore’s 2000 campaign.
Unless he somehow gets the nomination and Bill Brady gets the GOP nod, I don’t see any way that I could vote for him.
- MCgone - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:01 am:
All of the politicians like the balance with a Republican Governor and Democratic Mayor of Chicago. Ryan screwed up the “system” and now all the fixers are going away. Look for an attempt to re-right the ship. No Daley.
- Gregor - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:07 am:
I’d be curious to see polling on BD vs. Lisa Madigan. People have been declaring the job hers for over a decade. If she decides to run in the primary, I think the job is hers.
Don’t underestimate the damage a Dem primary would do. The only way I see it working is if Quinn voluntarily limits his own term. You can’t count on the republicans being a disorganized mess forever.
- Pelon - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:28 am:
Any news that Quinn may not make it out of the primary is good news. That being said, it’s hard for me to get too excited by anyone connected with Wall Street. Their track record on decision making hasn’t been very good lately.
- Illin in Illinois - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:39 am:
“This will remove the stigma of one family having too much political control. ”
Whew! Now I have a reason to vote for Bill Daley instead of Lisa Madigan for governor in 2014.
- Sue - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:43 am:
Forget about Bill Daley- the future Governer should be Rahm- He is proving what can be done as Mayor and the State certainly needs his energy and focus- It is too bad we need to wait three more years and put up with feckless Quinn
- Damfunny - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 7:44 am:
Bill Daley helped Ameritech/Illion Bell get the largest rate hike in history, grabbing more $$ from Illinois citizens. He’s made millions sticking it to the un-Daleys.
Daleys, won’t you please just go away?
- WalletSniffer - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 8:37 am:
Who is pushing this: someone who knows campaign cash raised is campaign cash spent?
- PaGo - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 8:43 am:
Just stating the obvious: I don’t see how he could sway a large majority of voters from “downstate.” The political perception of Chicago politics just doesn’t play well south of I-80. I could be wrong in my assumption, but I really don’t think so.
- Chris - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:03 am:
“the future Governer should be Rahm”
1. Rahm is on record saying that Mayor of Chicago is a better executive job than Governor of Illinois.
2. 3 years isn’t long enough to seriously unwind the Daleymess in Chicago.
3. Why would a control freak like Rahm want to be second banana to Mike Madigan?
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:05 am:
I don’t think Daley is running based on this Politico interview he did recently:
People are asking if you are as good as Rahm, I say to Daley.
“It’s pathetic, isn’t it?” Daley responds, laughing.
Rahm wouldn’t say it, I say.
“Rahm would say it!” Daley says. “Maybe I missed it — I wasn’t here the first two years — but I don’t think Rahm was as beloved (as people now say.)”
Rahm was famous for calling reporters, do you call reporters? I ask.
“I call; I’m not as aggressive leaking and stroking,” Daley says. “I’m not reflecting on Rahm, but I’m not angling for something else, you know? Rahm is a lot younger [Emmanuel is 51], and he knew he was going to be doing something else in two years or four years or eight years, and I’m in a different stage. I’m not going to become the leaker in chief.”
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/67043_Page3.html#ixzz1cYZxAKZs
- grand old partisan - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:06 am:
On the one hand, it makes sense to me. Lisa is still young, and her dad doesn’t seem to be planning his exit just yet. On the other hand, I think it’s a non-started if Obama loses in 2012. That would seem to be a bigger hit against his record than the 2000 Gore campaign (which I had always been led to believe Gore won fair and square, but had that victory stolen from him by the evil conservatives on the Supreme Court. Not sure how you can blame that on Bill, skeeter)
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:12 am:
For some reason, I always think of Lisa as Durbin’s replacement. The Senate seems more suited to her.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:35 am:
Why don’t we just hold a special election pitting Bill Daley vs. Chris Kennedy, and the winner gets to play Hamlet this summer at the Shakespeare Theater.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:41 am:
Again Lisa’s name comes up. I’m curious what people think Lisa has done as AG to cement her role as an heir apparent and to prove she has the heft for higher office? I know many political people seem to think she is something very special, and she does appear to be quite nice and smart and fairly competent when she speaks. But why is she automatically considered head and shoulders above almost everybody else in Il Dem politics? Why does she always seem to get “first dibbies” and “right of first refusal” on almost any open office that is discussed?
This comment is not meant in any way as a slam against her or her performance. I just think the anointed exalted status thing about her is very strange. I’m not sure that her inevitability has translated to average voters at all.
- Robert - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:41 am:
I don’t think he’ll run.
1) The politico article isn’t the first indication that he doesn’t think too much of Rahm (perhaps he’s defending his brother’s work as mayor). Rahm wants an ally in the governor’s mansion and Rahm’s fundraisign connections means that in order to challenge Quinn, you’ll need Rahm’s support.
2) I’m not sure the Daleys poll all that well outside of the city of Chicago, or even within Chicago anymore for that matter.
- foster brooks - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:42 am:
Lisa Madigan
- reformer - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:42 am:
I agree that Democrats must nominate someone stronger than Quinn. Given the stinking mess Mayor Daley left behind in the City, however, I’m not sure what we need is another Daley.
There’s still a federal monitor in City Hall to prevent patronage hiring. City schools still fail after 15 years of Daley control of the system. Finances are in a shambles. No thanks.
- walkinfool - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:49 am:
He doesn’t need the headaches. He isn’t angling for higher office. I think this is Rahm’s path to the White House — a long shot.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:50 am:
I can’t blame Bill Daley for Ritchie’s trashing of the city, but I don’t want to vote for someone with that last name. That’s a purely irrational, emotional response though. I guess I would vote for him if the GOP put up another guy like Brady.
- Kerfuffle - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:50 am:
It would be the perfect opportunity for him. I think the Dems would drop Quinn and run to Daley within yhe blink of an eye. He would beat any Republican running and I don’t believe Quinn has the ability to win against anybody. The question is why would he want it? He has nothing left to prove and the state is a mess and will remain so throughout the next term.
- Whatever - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:51 am:
Now let’s wait for the Jim Edgar comeback stories to begin — AGAIN.
- reformer - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:53 am:
One thing we can count on: Republicans prefer Quinn to be on the ballot in November of 2014.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:15 am:
This is the twisted Beltway version of Fantasy Political Football. Everybody thinks they can assemble a dream team if only all of the stars come into alignment in just the right way. If, if, if, if…then, then, then, and presto, here’s who the next governor will be.
The real world doesn’t work that way. Mindless speculation and navel gazing masquerading as Beltway insight.
The fact is, Bill Daley already announced his departure from the White House. DC types with nothing better to do, and who can’t envisage someone of Daley’s stature not running for office, need to find a way to make sense of his lame duck status. You can’t have someone that powerful in DC and not be the subject of gossip and speculation. The pundits there have no clue as to the facts on the ground here and the political reality. Hint: Daley’s name has been mentioned for governor almost every year since 1994, often to freeze would-be challengers until the right consultants sign up their preferred clients. No sense letting some upstart get a leg up on the fundraising, is there?
Ain’t. Gonna. Happen.
- Esquire - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:16 am:
Well, on the plus side of the ledger, Rahm Emanuel will have satisfied the three year residential eligibility requirement for gubernatorial candidates by 2014.
Snark!
- mokenavince - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:34 am:
Rham for Gov. would be a great improvment over
Quinn. In fact anyone with a pulse would be better
than Quinn.But I’m sure it will probly be Lisa.
Daley is a behind the scenes guy.
- Still Laughing - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:41 am:
Damnfunny… good start. BD seems not unlike a combination of Monk/Cellini/Immelt. Crafted a cozy insider deal for Rahm… cowardly slid out the backdoor at SBC just when they put the screws to their employees a few years back (left the kitchen after lighting the fire). Just another member of “Club $nake”.
- CircularFiringSquad - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:43 am:
Is the writer of this nonsense the same U of C egghead who did the “tell nothing” book on Rich?
Seems very unlikely that Bill Daley would have any interest in returning to SS IL Disaster after solving the nation’s woes with the President.
Just in case the readers haven’t figured it out yet. IL Governor is not such a big deal.
- Jim - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:44 am:
I think people are sick of the Daley name, let the “banker” go back to banking, or running blood drives for Chase, after he is done with being the COS.
- JBilla - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 10:47 am:
#
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:35 am:
Why don’t we just hold a special election pitting Bill Daley vs. Chris Kennedy, and the winner gets to play Hamlet this summer at the Shakespeare Theater.
hahahah
- Original Rambler - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 11:24 am:
Over the next several years, I anticipate a steady string of stories about how Rahm cleans up a mess created or left by “Daley.” Rich’s image will be plenty tarnished over this time, enough to doom Bill’s chance of winning the Governorship. Heck there’s plenty of special interest groups out there now who would look at taking out Bill as payback to Rich. I can’t see this happening.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 11:24 am:
Kerfuffle, why do you think Daley would beat any Republican running?
Do you think Pat Quinn would have won in 2010 if he was running against Dillard? No way! If the GOP gets their act together and starts putting up statewide candidates that don’t horrify suburban women, look out Dems.
And if downstaters are mad at the Dems now for being too Chicago-centric under Quinn, can you imagine the revulsion at a DALEY at the top of the ticket?
MJM won’t like this if only because he needs Downstate Dems to get a supermajority.
- Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 11:55 am:
I don’t think a career in the financial sector is the right resume to run in the Democratic primary at this point.
But that’s why we have elections to test these theories.
It’s a free country. Anyone (who is eligible) can run.
I have a hard time seeing any scenario where Bill Daley gets my vote. But I never voted for Blagojevich and he got elected.
- langhorne - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 12:10 pm:
bill daley for governor? please. he is used to being behind the scenes. he, and his supporters, may think he is smarter and would be a better exec than any of the others, but you gotta be elected first. i get no sense from his earlier aborted toe-in-the-water dance that he has the fire for retail politics statewide, or can connect w the average voter. his “candidacy” is a nonstarter.
- BelleAire - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 12:19 pm:
I am very sick of people who have the last name Madigan, Burke and Daley(or any of their relatives or other associates).
- Really? - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 12:20 pm:
Skeeter -
Where do you get this stuff? When Daley signed on June 2000, Gore was trailing. http://archive.newsmax.com/articles/?a=2000/6/20/213847
Gore ended up winning the popular vote.
- Borealis - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 1:20 pm:
To the Daleys:
Your family’s tenure at the public trough is over for the time being. Please go away and don’t forget to fondly think of us taxpayers every so often. You’re welcome.
- Borealis - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 1:27 pm:
BTW I think Dan Hynes’ time has arrived, but I pity him if he wins and gets to preside over the mess that is our State.
Add in dealing with MJM and you’ve got a real headache on your hands.
Hynes is an intelligent guy who plays well with others, and understands the way things get done in Springfield.
Thw world is not black and white, and neither is the crafting of public policy in this State.
Pat Quinn has made himself irrelevant. He’d make a great professor but has proved himself to be a lousy executive leader.
- Kerfuffle - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 1:54 pm:
hisgirlfriday - I think Daley can beat any Republican candidate on the ballot for a number of reasons: 1. An impressive resume that will attract a lot of independent voters 2. A name that will resonate with Cook Co. voters (and I think the last election shows that pretty much all you need is a strong showing in Cook Co. - downstate Dems will end up voting for Daley because they are Dems) 3. The Republicans probably won’t learn from last election - meaning Dillard won’t win the primary - and those suburban housewives will opt to stay home or vote for Daley.
A Quinn - Dillard race would have been fun and Dillard may well have come out on top. If Dillard were to get the nomination, I just don’t think he stands up as well against Daley.
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 2:58 pm:
The memory be green.”
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1.2
I suspect Bill Daley would like to hold various elected executive offices. He doesn’t seem to have the fire in the belly to campaign though.
I would expect he would be back in the private sector pulling in tens of millions a year sometime in 2013.
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark(Illinois).”
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1.4
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:42 pm:
Bill Daley should be nice and sick of governments of all kinds today.
- Stark's Boys - Wednesday, Nov 2, 11 @ 9:45 pm:
On Daley, haven’t we seen this movie before? No sale.
===But why is she automatically considered head and shoulders above almost everybody else in Il Dem politics? Why does she always seem to get “first dibbies” and “right of first refusal” on almost any open office that is discussed?===
I think Joe Birkett, Mark Kirk and Kirk Dillard provide the answer to your question. Birkett: running for AG in 2010 “no matter who his opponent is” when everyone “knew” Lisa would go for a different office, Lisa announces for re-elect, a month later he’s out. Kirk: on the fence on Senate until Lisa announces for re-elect, then suddenly he’s all in. Dillard: said he was glad he wouldn’t have to run against her for governor.