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Raoul out of the running

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Illinois

* From a press release…

First, I want to convey my deep and lasting appreciation to the men and women, from communities throughout the state, who have expressed confidence in my ability to lead Illinois as its next chief executive. I am inspired by their determination to improve life for all our residents, and I am humbled by their desire to work with me to achieve that goal.

After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014.

I did not take lightly the calls for me to join this race and provide voters with another option. In making my decision, I talked with my family and considered the timing of this potential step. I evaluated my existing and pledged resources and considered whether they would be adequate to communicate not only my record of service, but my vision for this great state. I took into account my sincere desire not to create unnecessary divisions, given the commitments that have been made.

I also considered my current role as chair of the pension reform conference committee. The office of the governor is a key position of leadership. In deciding not to seek that position, I acknowledge the pivotal leadership role that is mine today and that I must carry out to best of my abilities until the job is done.

While I will not be a candidate for governor in 2014, I pledge to do my part in this pivotal election to ensure that all who seek to be Illinois’ next governor hear the voices of people and communities who have been ignored or marginalized. To be their advocate will be a high honor, a worthy calling and a responsibility sufficient for this day.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:28 pm

Comments

Aaaaaaaand scene.

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:31 pm
That’s a pretty good statement. Well said Senator.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:35 pm
True to his word.

Also smart.

Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:36 pm
So which candidate gets him at GovLite?

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:46 pm
So is he a lock for 2016 Senate?

Comment by Phonecall Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:54 pm
It’s a good statement, well thought out.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 5:59 pm
Heck of a job there, Kass-ie! Your ability to analyze and predict these things is just remarkable.

Well said Senator.

Kass for Town Fool in ‘14!

Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 6:21 pm
This comes a day after Russ Stewart wrote a column saying he’d win a 3-way race.

http://www.russstewart.com/8-28-13.htm

Too bad for Russ, but that just comes with the game when you write weekly columns.

Comment by Poor Miller Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 6:27 pm
Smart. No way he could raise the kind of cash he’d need to compete, and enhances his team player image for ‘16.

Comment by DanL60 Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 6:36 pm
Missed the headline, thought it was Rich’s announcement…it’s so tough being stupid. :@|

Comment by Excessively Rabid Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:00 pm
Anyone else a possibility or is the field set with Quinn and Daley?

If so, the dynamic between Rauner and Daley will be interesting. Although running in different primaries, they’re shaking the same money tree and going for the same voters.

One of them has to lose big in his primary for the other to have a chance in his.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:18 pm
Brilliant move by a talented individual; just not his time…And I’d bet he most definitely has not been ruled out as a potential Lt. Gov. Running Mate for Pat Quinn either…!

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:20 pm
I can’t see Raoul hitching up to Quinn or Daley. He has his own ground to plow.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:22 pm
Sounds like something Abe Lincoln would have written.

Comment by Just Me Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:31 pm
It’s unfortunate that he did not run. Moreso that the money situation means that he never really had a chance to run. Our democracy shrinks every time talented people are not able to offer their talents to the voters. Money doesn’t talk- it swears.

One party in our country is determined to make it more and more difficult to vote. Both parties through their financial systems make it very difficult for anyone to get on a ballot and receive a vote.

Who knows what kind of candidate Raoul might have been in a primary or general election? Perhaps his time will come 4 or 8 years from now. I can’t shake the feeling that this is just one more situation where voters lose out.

Comment by DuPage Dave Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:39 pm
CLASS release, class response to the supporters who mabe be disappinted.

This is the kind of response, and thoughtful, and eloquent way to back away from today and be stronger tomorrow.

Well done.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 7:53 pm
I’m not surprised at this. He thought it out for himself and didn’t let a pol’s natural vanity get in the way of exercising good judgement. He was swayed neither by the pressure nor the compliments he was getting. His time will come and he knows that in a few years he’ll be even more ready and more seasoned in a variety of areas than he currently is.

You did the smart thing for yourself and the future, Kwame.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 8:50 pm
He could have been somebody, he could have been a contender. Too bad would have made for a fun March.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QsNXd57Ppw

Comment by The DuPage Bard Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 8:54 pm
And if he signs on as Lt Gov. for either Quinn or Daley I’ll recant all the great stuff I just wrote about him. That would be a stupidly insane move for him.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 8:55 pm
Pension liabilities have done well under his watch, I am still waiting for his solution

Comment by sean Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 9:54 pm
One thing is clear tonight: Patrick J. Quinn will be the Democratic nominee for governor in 2014.

On another note, the Lt. Gov. talk is pretty silly. Raoul explicitly said in his statement that people have been asking for “another option”. I can’t see him signing on to either of the declared candidates after publicly considering a run against them.

Comment by Snucka Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 10:30 pm
Class act all the way. Probably the smartest press release / statement this election cycle.

Both Shelia and Lisa could have used his writing skills.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Aug 29, 13 @ 11:21 pm
So our choice is really only going to be Quinn or Daley?

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 30, 13 @ 8:07 am
Stakes is High

Comment by Artis Gilmore Friday, Aug 30, 13 @ 8:48 am
Now he can continue as bond counsel on Chicago’s issuance of bonds.

Comment by Better now. Friday, Aug 30, 13 @ 9:00 am