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For third time, White rules out reelection, but claims he’ll serve out full term

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Illinois

JESSE WHITE says he won’t seek a seventh term as Illinois Secretary of State when he’s up for re-election in 2022. “This is my last tour of duty,” the 85-year-old told Playbook at the Illinois State Fair.

Asked whether he might step down before his term is up, he said “No way. I’m seeing it all the way through.”

This isn’t the first time White has said he’d retire. Back in 2015, in an eerily similar interview at the State Fair, White told a Sun-Times reporter that he didn’t plan on seeking a sixth term. “This is my last tour of duty,” he said at the time. Two years later, he changed his mind and in 2018, he won re-election handily.

Back then, White was working with a Republican governor and may have wanted to run just to be assured his seat stayed in Democratic hands. With J.B. Pritzker now in the governor’s office, even if he were to decide not to finish out his term, White could leave knowing a Democrat would be named to fill his seat.

This is actually the third time White has made this vow. He said the same thing in 2010.

So, I can’t help but wonder whether he will actually serve out his full term.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:33 am

Comments

I like how from Twitter his camp seems annoyed at media questions about this. Perhaps they wouldn’t have to ask if he hadn’t gone back on similar statements twice before.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:37 am
The most important takeaway?

Not that Jesse won’t run again.

That’s like 37th on the list.

Number one?

Finishing the term. That’s the ball game. That has my attention.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:41 am
Jesse White is a popular elected official he could probably run as long as he wants.

Comment by Steve Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:43 am
so who will replace him? will mendoza try to make the move? That would be a twofer for the governor, wouldn’t it? Frerichs would be the same.

Comment by threat level midnight Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:48 am
Secretary White is a perfect example of why term limits are NOT a good thing. He has served the Illinois people with honor and there was no need to make him leave office while doing a great job.

Elections are term limits

Comment by Publius Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:48 am
What Publius said.

Comment by Lt. Guv Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:52 am
=== so who will replace him? ===

There will be an extremely long line of people who try to replace him on both sides of the aisle. It is likely the most coveted position in the State of Illinois.

Comment by Powdered Whig Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 9:58 am
I’m actually wondering if he’ll serve out the entirety of his *next* term. /s

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:03 am
=== so who will replace him? ===

Don’t ask me. Don’t ask anyone except for Secretary White.

His endorsement will be the whole ballgame in the Democratic primary assuming she or he has the money to promote it, and that individual will go on to win the General Election.

I mean, I have one really good guess.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:05 am
In a heavy blue state, elections are not term limits.

Have a lot of respect for Jesse, but why even mention that he won’t run again?

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:06 am
SoS White, you are 85 years old, but despite your age, NO ONE knows if they have 3 1/2 years of life in their future. It’s all “God willing”. God has a way of showing He is in charge of how long you live, and when He calls you home, you have no choice.

I think there is a good chance Lieutenant Governor Stratton could be finishing an unexpired SoS term between now and 2023.

Comment by Former Quigley Supporter Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:07 am
Oh he will run again. this game is so much fun.

Comment by Iggy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:07 am
=== I’m actually wondering if he’ll serve out the entirety of his *next* term. ===

Secretary White is not going to step down from his post unless he can be sure the governor is going to appoint the person White wants to the job. That is going to make everyone that didn’t get the post unhappy with Pritzker, make all of Pritzker’s staff unhappy, generate a lot of negative press coverage about “back room deals,” and I just do not see it happening.

Nope. Not happening. See my earlier post and ask yourself “Why go to all that trouble?”

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:11 am
=== In a heavy blue state, elections are not term limits. ===

So if statewide offices were term limited, Republicans will start winning statewide?? And isn’t your beef that Dems are more often elected than Republicans, not term limits or lack thereof.

Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:13 am
Dear Former Quigley Supporter: it almost sounds like you are wishing Secretary of White dead. Because you kind of are.

That is a good way to get a knock on your door.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:14 am
===In a heavy blue state, elections are not term limits.===

… and yet Democrats won in districts considered GOP leaning or GOP safe.

Elections are term limits.

Ask the incumbents that lost.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:15 am
=And heavy blue States elections are not term limits=
I always thought primaries were also elections

Comment by Peorgie Tirebiter Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:22 am
Whenever he decides to go, I think it would be instructive, fitting, and proper for him to leave a concise document which states in his words an itemized list of why he was successful.
I would bet there would be much to learn and appreciate.

Comment by Sayitaintso Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:27 am
=Have a lot of respect for Jesse, but why even mention that he won’t run again? =

Because he was asked?

= Asked whether he might step down before his term is up, he said “No way. I’m seeing it all the way through.” =

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:33 am
POLITICO, August 2031

JESSE WHITE says he won’t seek a tenth term as Illinois Secretary of State when he’s up for re-election in 2034. “This is my last tour of duty,” the 97-year-old told Playbook at the Illinois State Fair.

Comment by 4th Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:42 am
if the Democrats hadn’t passed their corrupt law saying that Topinka’s replacement had to run for election half-way through the term, then White would have resigned this summer. Now the Dems have to live with that law, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they fast-track a bill to change it during Veto and allow an appointed SOS to serve the remainder of the full term.

It isn’t like the Democrats have become experts at figuring out ways to get friends and family appointed to various elected offices.

Comment by Just Me 2 Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 11:02 am
Thanks Willy, you made my point. Appreciate your support.

And, that corn dog(aka pronto pup) was delicious.

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 11:19 am
===you made my point===

That elections are term limits? Aw, you’re welcome.

NO map… was designed for 74/40

Voters dictate term limits. Voters voice their preferences.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 11:21 am
===NO map… was designed for 74/40===

Democrats winning in “GOP” leaning or safe districts is voters who should be voting GOP, now choosing Democrats.

There aren’t 74/40 Democratically drawn districts.

Nope.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 11:24 am
Maybe he said that since he thinks Pritzker won’t appoint who JW wants?

I’m thinking he runs again too…

Comment by Fav human Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 11:41 am
==In a heavy blue state, elections are not term limits.==

You and every other person screaming about term limits want to have the law do what you are incapable of doing at the ballot box.

Regardless of what any of you term limit supporters say, elections do, in fact, allow for you to term limit anyone you want any time you want.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 12:51 pm
It’s all “God willing”. God has a way of showing He is in charge of how long you live, and when He calls you home, you have no choice.

An interesting opinion not everyone shares…for the sake of reality.

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 12:52 pm
Do you think Durbin would be a senator if he lived in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa?

I don’t.

Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 1:34 pm
===Do you think Durbin would be a senator if he lived in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa?===

Narrator: Durbin only needs to win where he lives, and he lives in Illinois.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 1:35 pm
Pick a Name, do you think McConnell would be a senator if he lived in Illinois, New York, California? I don’t. That’s a pointless statement to make.

Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 5:18 pm
Roland Burris seen freshening up his resume…

Comment by in the wings Thursday, Aug 15, 19 @ 10:52 pm
In a state with a lot of millennials and with a majority of 18-29 year olds favoring socialism(although many think socialism is being social of instagram, snap chat, etc.) it will be extremely difficult for a R to win in Illinois.

Likely there will be a recession in the next couple of years, and more than likely it will take Chicago and this state to its knees due to taxes, real estate taxes and pension obligations.

Comment by Pick a Name Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 8:28 am
===with a majority of 18-29 year olds favoring socialism===

Cite please.

===Likely there will be a recession in the next couple of years, and more than likely it will take Chicago and this state to its knees due to taxes, real estate taxes and pension obligations.===

… and yet, we lived through the Great Depression, the recessions of the 1970s, and the recession of this century.

Then again. “You know”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 8:54 am
That Google thingy is useful.

The world is far, far different than 90 years ago and the 70’s recession weren’t that bad. How do I know? I was alive and in college and the workplace.

Now 1980-82, that was different but a guy named Reagan bailed us out after experiencing prime rates of 20%, mortgage rates of mid-teens and double digit inflation, thanks to Jimmy Carter.

Comment by Pick a Name Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 9:12 am
===That Google thingy is useful.

The world is far, far different than 90 years ago and the 70’s recession weren’t that bad. How do I know? I was alive and in college and the workplace.

Now 1980-82, that was different but a guy named Reagan bailed us out after experiencing prime rates of 20%, mortgage rates of mid-teens and double digit inflation, thanks to Jimmy Carter.===

So… you got nothing. Thanks.

Aren’t you the “guy” telling me the economy is great… *because* of Trump?

If it sinks, then isn’t that on Trump too?

I know… you “know”… no facts…

“How do I know? I was alive and in college and the workplace.”

You’re the guy at the end of the bar shouting at the TV, calling President Obama “Barry” and thinks the racist President is good.

As a Reagan fan, I also acknowledge the huge deficits Reagan gave us. You don’t. Ok.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Aug 16, 19 @ 10:04 am