White protégé Burnett says he won’t run for SoS
Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Not exactly a surprise from WTTW…
Although five Democrats are already jockeying to replace Secretary of State Jesse White, Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward) told WTTW News that he will not run to replace his political godfather.
Burnett, elected to the City Council in 1995, said he decided that he could not continue to serve as alderman for the West Loop — where the COVID-19 pandemic has only slightly cooled the red-hot pace of development — while running for a statewide office amid the pandemic. […]
Burnett said he would have accepted an appointment from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to replace the 86-year-old White, who was first elected secretary of state in 1998. White won his last term in office with 68% of the vote in 2018, smashing his Republican challenger.
But Burnett said he could never get a commitment from the governor that he would get the nod to replace White as part of a maneuver perfected by Chicago’s Democratic machine during the past several decades to hang onto power by giving the party’s favorite a head start in office via an appointment.
Emily Bittner, a spokesperson for Pritzker, told WTTW News “the governor doesn’t contemplate filling hypothetical vacancies.”
…Adding… Back to hating on RRB…
- BigLou - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 7:47 am:
So he won’t run because he can’t continue on as Alderman if he does but he will take the appointment if given.
- Too cute by half - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:02 am:
But if he’s Secretary of State, we can have Burnett Bus Bench ads all over the state! Think of the missed opportunities.
- Oh, Really Now? - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:11 am:
“the governor doesn’t contemplate filling hypothetical vacancies.”
-Yes he does. And he usually finds the least offensive candidates.
- ;) - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:16 am:
Burnett is playing it smart. Protect home base. A handoff like that would unnecessarily tarnish Jesse White’s legacy.
- BigLou - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:30 am:
What about Jesse saying he would complete his full term when he ran last time.
- Pizza Man - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:41 am:
Burnett: “because Secretary White is my political godfather and knows me personally, I shouldn’t have to wage an expensive, statewide bid for SOS and beat 5 other contenders when my family and I are friends, Secretary White.”
“So Guv what are you waiting for? appoint me”
- Fav Human - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 9:49 am:
While I can fully believe he wants a “sure thing”, its amazing he will publicly complain that the Gov won’t give it to him.
Talk about entitlement…..
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 10:27 am:
Burnett isn’t the only one who wants to be appointed “if” a vacancy occurs, and further not the only one who would claim some sort of… claim… to the mantle of White, deserved or not.
Burnett is seemingly the only one to say things aloud on both points.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 10:28 am:
=== a maneuver perfected by Chicago’s Democratic machine during the past several decades to hang onto power by giving the party’s favorite a head start in office via an appointment.===
Explain Leslie Munger.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 10:33 am:
=== a maneuver perfected by Chicago’s Democratic machine during the past several decades to hang onto power by giving the party’s favorite a head start in office via an appointment.===
Explain Alan J. Dixon, James R. Thompson… and Jim Edgar.
Thanks
- BigLou - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 11:47 am:
Maybe JB was hoping Jesse would step aside so he could appoint his Lt. Gov. to the job. Maybe he thinks that helps him in this upcoming election.
- thisjustinagain - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 11:59 am:
Summary of Burnett’s statement: Wut? I won’t run, but I’ll accept an appointment?? Chutzpa, plain and simple. The Illinois and Chicago Way. Secretary White should announce he’s changed his mind and will run again; that would drive the opposition nuts.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 12:07 pm:
Always good to see the party of Denny Hastert casting stones.
- Pizza Man - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 12:17 pm:
Alexi: “Um, guv, can you appoint me instead?”
“I’m friends with Secretary White too. My license even has SoS White’s name displayed at the very top to prove it.”
- anon2 - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 12:20 pm:
Ald. Burnett gets credit for candor, but not for discretion.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 12:31 pm:
=Explain Leslie Munger.=
LOL, may I take a stab?
Wingperson.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 12:32 pm:
What Burnett is trying to say is, the vacancy wouldn’t be hypothetical if the Governor simply agreed to appoint White’s preferred successor.
- ;) - Wednesday, May 12, 21 @ 1:36 pm:
GOP press game has been on point this year. Finally, someone over there is stepping up to the plate for their team.