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* From the Twitters…
I have made the decision on my Lt Governor. I will announce it first via #Twitter, so I encourage you to follow along. #twill
— Dan Rutherford (@RutherfordDan) August 25, 2013
* The AP ran a story over the weekend about lite guv announcement timelines…
“My No. 1 priority was would this individual both in reality and perception-wise (among voters) be able to succeed me,” said state Treasurer Dan Rutherford, a Chenoa Republican who said he’s already picked someone and will make the name public in the next few weeks.
Brady said he expects to announce his running mate around Labor Day, and an adviser to state Sen. Kirk Dillard said the Hinsdale Republican plans to make his choice public around then, too.
Mike Schrimpf, a spokesman for Bruce Rauner, said the Republican businessman’s campaign likely won’t have an announcement until later in the year. He said Rauner mainly is looking for someone who shares his willingness to “take on the special interests in Springfield.”
Quinn, who became the first Illinois lieutenant governor in more than three decades to ascend to the state’s top spot when now-imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was booted out of office, is looking for a replacement for Simon, who’s running for comp-troller. He said he’s looking for “a people person” who can relate to ordinary citizens, adding that he’s heard from a lot of potential running mates and plans to sit down and talk with them.
Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley, who’s challenging Quinn in the Democratic primary, would like a running mate with private sector management experience who’s also worked with elected officials, spokesman Pete Giangreco said.
Failed 2010 attorney general candidate Steve Kim is apparently on the radar screen for Rutherford in addition to retiring state Rep. Kay Hatcher. We’ll see.
* Jim Nowlan’s take…
Gov. Pat Quinn is unpopular downstate, but more than 60 percent of the Democratic primary vote is cast in Cook County alone, so he may want a black or Hispanic from Cook. His present lite guv is Sheila Simon of Carbondale, daughter of the late U.S. senator, who is running for comptroller.
Quinn will have a tough time finding a running mate, as he is so unpopular with legislators, whose salaries he vetoed, among other slams against lawmakers.
Chicagoan Bill Daley, of the Democratic Daley clan, will want either an attractive black such as state senators Toi Hutchinson or Kimberly Lightford, who do not face re-election in 2014, or a downstater, where his name is not playing well.
On the Republican side, Bill Brady of Bloomington is probably vetting suburban women, a region and gender where Brady fared badly in his narrow loss to Quinn in 2010.
(By the way, gender was not even a consideration back in 1972 when I was a candidate; times change quickly.)
State treasurer Dan Rutherford of Pontiac will also probably want a suburban woman, though I have no idea who that might be.
State senator Kirk Dillard of suburban DuPage County is probably looking for a downstate woman. Karen Hasara comes to mind; a former state senator, mayor of Springfield and member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Karen would be an attractive match.
Wild-card megabucks financier Bruce Rauner is thought of as a Chicagoan, where his business is located, but he grew up in the suburbs. Several downstate senators with free rides such as former prosecutor Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, might make attractive complements.
Any ideas?
*** UPDATE *** Chuck Sweeny thinks retiring Rep. Jim Sacia may run for lt. governor...
“I’m very seriously contemplating a run for another office,” he said. It won’t be a legislative office, because “I’m not going to run against (state Sen.) Tim Bivins (R-45),” he said.
Through a process of elimination we narrowed things down to a statewide office, and that’s as far as he would go at revealing future plans. Whatever it is, Sacia gave indications that he’s preparing for an all-out, full-time campaign.
“To me, running for office is like being in office. It’s a full-time job. Had I stayed in the House, I would have not been devoting full time to my legislative responsibilities. Not only that, but you lose some effectiveness as a lame duck.” […]
Treasurer Dan Rutherford, a Republican, is running for governor; at least two Republicans, Michael Scott Carter and Bob Schillerstrom want that job. That might be a possibility for Sacia.
And then there’s lieutenant governor, the office I think he’ll seek. The office will be open because Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, a Democrat, is running for comptroller.
Um, the office will be open because it’s an election year. Other than that, he may be right.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:28 am
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Doubt if she would do it, but Chapa-LaVia wouldn’t be a bad call for either Quinn or Daley or candidate to be named later.
Comment by OneMan Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:35 am
Jim Sacia seems to want the job. He would be a perfect addition to the Happy Warrior, inclusive, diverse GOP that Rauner is trying to build.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:35 am
The recently arrived Jennifer Pritzker for Quinn.
Comment by Anon2 Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:39 am
Two candidates I am really interested on their choices, because of who the “Top Guy” is, and the negatives the “Top Guy” will bring to the race, and how the #2 is going to help… because they will NEED to help;
Populist Pat Quinn
Payton Prep Clouter Bruce Rauner
Huge decision for them, huge decision for whomever decides they WANT to be… with these two.
Interested in all, no doubt. Quinn and Rauner have my attention, and doesn’t mean it’s good to have my attention.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:39 am
We compiled a list of elected whose seats are not on the 2014 ballot. For entertainment purposes only. http://ilcampaign.org/072513/2014-Potential-Candidates
Comment by David from ICPR Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:46 am
===Jennifer Pritzker for Quinn===
Jennifer is a Republican.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:51 am
–Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley, who’s challenging Quinn in the Democratic primary, would like a running mate with private sector management experience who’s also worked with elected officials–
How about Bruce Rauner or Rahm Emanuel? They’ve both had very lucrative careers in the private sector working with public officials.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:51 am
I would like to see a suburban dem woman run with a candidate. A Linda Holmes or even Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant would be great candidates. Both are from Will County and would compliment either Daley or Quinn.
Comment by Alton Adam Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:52 am
Thanks David, great list
Comment by walkinfool Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:52 am
He said he’s looking for “a people person” who can relate to ordinary citizens………I guess that means he needs to look for someone from out of state
Comment by Hank Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:53 am
How about former state Rep Careen Gordon for Quinn? She goes along with his votes, she wouldn’t have to work much and it pays more than her current gig. Perfect for her!
Comment by Bee Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:53 am
I thought I heard Dillard was definitely picking Jill Tracy.
This after Erika Harold kept rejecting his desperate pleas.
Comment by too obvious Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:57 am
=== Jennifer is a Republican ===
Rich,
James was the Republican.
Comment by Anon2 Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:58 am
===James was the Republican.===
So, just because he changed his name and now he is a she, Jennifer is automatically taking a walk on the Democratic wild side? I’d wait and see before making that prediction.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:00 am
@Anon2 so because of the transition Jennifer Pritzker is disqualified as a Republican? Oh please explain that one.
Comment by wndycty Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:02 am
Pat Quinn’s best fit for a Democrat running mate would be Will County Executive Lawrence Walsh. It would be the perfect fit for Quinn. Walsh has always been a Quinn loyalist and friend going back many years ago when they both served in Springfield. Walsh is very popular in his heavily-populated collar county. Walsh is extremely popular with the union’s rank & file. He has a well-established Democrat political base. Walsh previously organized a fund raiser for Quinn at the Electricians Union Hall well in advance “before” Lisa even declared that she had decided not to run for Governor. That took political guts and some sincere loyalty to Pat Quinn to be willing to go against Mike Madigan and his daughter at that point in time. Will County Executive and former state senator Lawrence Walsh is the consumate “people person” that Pat Quinn has said that he is looking for (and sorely needs).
Comment by The Dot Connector Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:07 am
One thought would be the guy who stepped out of the race for Comptroler when Simon got in. Would be interesting to see if Quinn reaches out to him…
Comment by OneMan Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:17 am
on the radar screen for Rutherford in addition to retiring state Rep. Kay Hatcher
D-Lard can only pray. Personal Pac’s special for a Lt. Gov would be the kiss of death in R primary.
Does he not know that PP’s very own PRL walked Hatcher into her old seat?
Comment by Pat C Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:21 am
I, personally, think that Sacia is running against Bustos for the US House.
Comment by Try-4-Truth Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:30 am
–I, personally, think that Sacia is running against Bustos for the US House.–
Schilling’s already announced that he’s running again. Would Sacia primary him? Why and how? Sacia wouldn’t be able to raise a dime to go against the former rep.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:35 am
I was thinking through the running mate possibilities and I realized how much I miss Tim Davlin (the person, not as a potential candidate). What a sad and unnecessary tragedy that was.
Comment by The Captain Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:43 am
Rep. Linda Chapa-LaVia as a running mate for either Daley or Quinn … could be a winner.
Very smart move by Daley to find someone with private and public sector experience to help get Illinois out of the ditch it’s in.
Comment by NW Illinois Dem Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:49 am
Nowlan….”times change quickly”…..really? cause the first woman to get a seat on the NYSExchange died yesterday, and she got her seat in 1967, the only woman to hold a seat until 1977 when more got in. There are only 21 women helming fortune 500 firms. there has never been a woman governor in Illinois. times are not nearly changing enough when it coms to women in leadership.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:50 am
I heard at the fair that Rutherford is going with a former Statewide candidate who isn’t holding office now…picked it up in a beer tent
God Bless the fair!!! Either way, this is a really odd situation for everyone & it seems the legislature kicked this call. I talked to another campaign operative who still isn’t even convinced you actually need an LG, rather that you can’t fill a vacancy if you don’t choose one.
Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 10:59 am
Very good point, Amalia. I believe I’m correct in adding that there also has never been a female House Speaker or Senate President in Illinois.
Comment by Yossarian Lives Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 11:34 am
Concerning Jim Sacia, Point 1. Sacia is publicly backing Rutherford, so I doubt that any of the other candidates would choose him. Point # 2 Sacia would be a better candidate against Bustos than Schilling. That alone would allow him to raise some money. Final point if Scott Christiansen doesn’t run for re-election, Jim Sacia would be a natural as Winnebago County Board Chairman.
Comment by VPlena Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 11:42 am
I’m waiting for Willy’s choice.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 11:50 am
- Norseman -,
I was waiting on your vetted list!
I was very disappointed to hear Oscar was “too young” from his Spokesman Rich, but maybe I am going at it wrong;
I will ask people I would consider a good fit… If they say “yes”, I move on, if they say “no”, then I have a finalist.
If they are smart enough to turn me down, they are smart enough run Illinois(?)
To the Post,
I just would like someone to give a look/see to Bill Black; attack dog, beyond knowledgeable, Danville gives Black the “no one out of Cook and Collars” feel, and would more than handle the cheerleader role in a LG debate better than most…
I am only going down this road because I haven’t heard Bill Black’s name, so I am not taking away/endorsing an accepted “short list” name floating.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 12:02 pm
What I read from Daley’s statement is that he’s going to have to pick someone from the private sector because he can’t find a qualified legislator to run with him. The only two legislators with him so far are Jack Franks and Marty Sandoval (who likes literally every single Bill Daley Facebook post). He’ll have to find someone from the business community because no real elected officials are interested in running against the Governor.
Related point. The idea that the Governor will have a hard time finding a nominee is just totally wrong. He is the front runner in the Democratic primary in an overwhelmingly Democratic state. Elected officials get that. He will have his pick from many good candidates.
Finally, Larry Walsh may be for Pat Quinn now, but he was for Dan Hynes in 2010. Don’t see the Governor picking him.
Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 12:18 pm
“Schilling’s already announced that he’s running again. Would Sacia primary him? Why and how? Sacia wouldn’t be able to raise a dime to go against the former rep.”
Schilling is not an incumbent, so the Rep. nomination is open. Sacia hails from a Rep. area, Schilling does not (ever been to RI County? John G. lives on!!!)
Didn’t say I had any inside info, just a guess. I can’t imagine Sacia running for CB Chairman. Who would want that thankless job in Winnebago County? And, Christiansen is not up until 2016 (I think) so why quit so early?
Comment by Try-4-Truth Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:13 pm
Just out of curiosity, why is it so important to specify that the announcement will be via Twitter? Is there some sort of benefit or measurement re: use of social media for pols that I’m missing (e.g., is someone touting a study that claims that for x number of followers, or posts, or whatevers using ________, a pol will get x number of votes, or dollars, or whatevers?
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:16 pm
Its 1.20 PM. He sent out word via Twitter last night that he was announcing today. Isn’t this something that should have been done at 8 AM, right when people are starting to get to work? It seems odd that there is so much time between the pre-announcement and the real announcement.
Comment by Red Ranger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:22 pm
Hmm…I was on the fence on whether to jump into twitter…this is further proof that I can wait awhile. #tryingtoohard #rutheryawn #moretoiletrepairblogsplease
https://capitolfax.com/2012/05/18/caption-contest-92/
Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:23 pm
===He sent out word via Twitter last night that he was announcing today.===
I think it just said he would be announcing soon, not necessarily today. But, to your point, “soon” in Twitter-speak is sometime in the next few hours. Should have been ready to announce today before 2:30pm (to assure TV coverage on nightly news) or should have waited to tweet until a few hours before the announcement.
Comment by woodchuck Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:33 pm
Given that DOT foods just announced building a distribution center in TN I would think that Jill Tracy is dropping off some lists.
Comment by Spliff Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:33 pm
He’s announcing on Twitter with this tease to drive traffic to his Twitter account.
So Jil Tracy cannot be a candidate because her family’s business expanded outside Illinois? Ridiculous.
Comment by LincolnLounger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:37 pm
=He’s announcing on Twitter with this tease to drive traffic to his Twitter account.=
That seems clearly obvious, but again, my question is why and it’s just general curiosity regarding what real or perceived benefit pols realize from doing so? I’m not being snarky; I’m really curious because of how this is being positioned, which is something that I never even considered.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 1:57 pm
Is it simply a manipulative tactic to show that you can drive numbers to a particular account v. another; again, is there some study that claims to have seen a correlation between twitter, hits, and votes/contributions; is the national committee looking at certain numbers as a form of measurement because they think they convert into something meaningful, and/or what else can it be?
Again, it’s just that it’s so obvious, that now I’m wondering, but can’t even take a guess because all of my theories seem really far-fetched.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Hmmmm…luncheon announced (though maybe not the first time) and it seems like maybe the strategy is “suspense.” I hope that works; I’ll bet some people don’t like “surprises” such as “oh, so that’s who I’m supporting.” But, it’s a brand new world when it comes to “marketing” for pols, I guess.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 2:32 pm
===Jennifer Pritzker for Quinn===
==Jennifer is a Republican.==
Heh. When did that matter in this race?
Toi Hutchinson would be a savvy choice for Daley, and give him a high-profile constant campaigner he needs. She toed the party line and stepped aside for Kelly, and that might help Daley with Cook County voters.
Another “Daley” Daley does not need.
Comment by MarkT Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 2:48 pm
George Ryan is looking for a job.
Comment by Just Me Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:06 pm
Oh, Just. Surely you tease; you’re simply toying with our collective heart strings. And the rumors and the speculation–fact or just “the mumbling of a few ‘old women’”? Oh, who, Who, WHO could it possibly be I ask all of you?!!!
I don’t recall anything this suspenseful and potentially scandalous since….since…well, I don’t recall.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:16 pm
–Schilling is not an incumbent, so the Rep. nomination is open. Sacia hails from a Rep. area, Schilling does not (ever been to RI County? John G. lives on!!!)–
As a young man, I swung with the Government Bridge, daddio.
On the other side, I lived down the street from where Blackhawk crossed to make a beef, and where Dred Scott figured he had a beef.
I lived on the corner of Mississippi and River, overlooking Quarters One and the Island, and when Taps started blowing I knew it was time for me to drink up and walk home out of the East Village.
RIBCO, Hunters, Belgian Village, Harold’s on the Rock — I think I know the neighborhood a little bit.
No way Sacia takes on Schilling, who would at least have national GOP money behind him.
Cheri would beat Sacia like a rented mule.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:19 pm
(That was snark, BTW. It seems necessary to clearly state that sometimes so there’s no confusion….among the “teases” especially, I guess.)
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:21 pm
As I wait for Rutherford’s “breathless” announcement, all I keep hearing on my head is Willy Wonka;
“The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”
Raising expectations via twitter reminds me of Pongee, toilet fixing, spot removal… and Bozo the Clown.
Indeed, “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:27 pm
Well, quite obviously, Willy. You can see what it’s done to me. I’ve gone from a quite rational, perhaps even nerdy human being to a…dare I say it?…dare I admit it?!!! Yes…a Fan..waiting for the next twitter just like I guess some people used to wait for the next issue of…whatever those Fan magazines published during the 70s(?) were.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hit the twitter account with shaking hands to see if there is an update. (*crosses fingers hoping no one is monitoring; hasn’t visited the page even once, but guesses it sounds like something one is expected to say in this type of situation*)
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 3:42 pm
could convince Senator Jim Claiborne to run. Jim is a proven fundraiser, moderate, well-liked downstate and well-respected. I cannot say that for all senators. Jim’s the one!
Comment by Quinn could win if he Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 4:02 pm
@Jim Nowlan…. Karen Hasara? Really? Have you been under a rock. She’s 73 years old (not a spring chicken) and has been out of politics for years. If you want a downstate,Larry Bomke is better and he has $500k in his account.
@Chuck Sweeney… For a political writer, I’d hope you know you can’t run independently for Lt. Governor. He may hope and dream but can’t go to the dance alone.
Comment by 1776 Monday, Aug 26, 13 @ 9:32 pm