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* UPDATED x1 - Callis resigns to run for Congress * Quinn makes Gill an assistant director

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* From a Gov. Pat Quinn press release announcing various appointments…

Dr. David Gill, of Bloomington, received his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Illinois and has served as a family practice doctor and emergency room physician for more than 20 years. Most recently an emergency room doctor at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Gill has been named Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Gill is just one of several failed Democratic candidates to land a gig in the Quinn administration. Two 10th Congressional District candidates - Dan Seals and Julie Hamos - got state jobs after their 2010 defeats. 2010 US Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias was appointed chairman of the Community College Board. And then there were all the legislators who got slots after voting “right” during the lame duck session.

But this appointment, as with Seals before him, may take the perennial candidate Gill out of the 2014 congressional race, which would be good news for Democrats. He’s just not a good candidate.

*** UPDATE *** This Gill job doesn’t appear to be a coincidence…

David Hylla is the new chief judge for the Third Judicial Circuit. He replaces Ann Callis, who broke the news Friday morning at the Madison County Judiciary Committee.

Callis also announced at the meeting that she is stepping down to run for a seat in the new 13th Congressional District. She will make a formal announcement on Monday.

As we’ve already discussed, the DCCC has courted Callis to challenge Republican freshman Rodney Davis. Their work paid off, and Gov. Quinn looks to have gotten Gill out of the way.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:26 pm

Comments

What terrible evils did IDPH do to deserve such a punishment?

Comment by Judgment Day Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:31 pm
Anybody know how long the position has been vacant?

Is the department operating that badly with the position vacant?

Comment by Skeeter Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:33 pm
Skeeter. Depends as there is one Assistant Director`s position vacant now which is over Community Public Health Outreach and Hearing Review.

This makes the second position filled with a candidate or former legislator (Miller).

Comment by LINK Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:45 pm
- What terrible evils did IDPH do to deserve such a punishment? -

Gill as a candidate may be weak, but no one can deny his committment to public health and his successful career as a physician. This is a good pick.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:45 pm
Interesting that this happens the same day Judge Ann Callis resigns her seat to run for Congress…collusion?

Comment by Mr. Jim Lahey Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:49 pm
Skeeter, if he is taking the position Teresa Garate had, she left in August 2012.

Comment by Anon Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:52 pm
I’d ask if Pat Quinn has any shame left at this point, but I think I know the answer.

Comment by so... Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:54 pm
Rodney Davis in deep do do.

Comment by just sayin' Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:54 pm
http://www.judgeanncallis.com/area-leaders-support-judge-callis/

Good website. You can bet that Shimkus quote will end up in a commercial.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Friday, May 3, 13 @ 2:59 pm
===Good website===

Yeah. And before anybody else clicks your link, I am not related to and do not know Granite City Police Chief Rich Miller. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 3, 13 @ 3:02 pm
Too funny. Google and you’ll quickly find Judge Callis’ last campaign site, has this:

Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville)

“Chief Judge Ann Callis has earned my respect and the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike for the reforms she initiated to improve our local court system and for the innovative programs she has launched. I was so impressed by the establishment of the veterans court that helps troubled veterans get their lives back on track that I nominated the program for the national Paul H. Chapman Award from the Foundation for Improvement of Justice.”

Should be entertaining when GOP tries to paint her as lackey for the trial bar.

Also note on same page kind words from Rich Miller - Granite City Police Chief. Rich you really get around. lol

Comment by just sayin' Friday, May 3, 13 @ 3:03 pm
Going to be a fun race to watch! Sounds like Dr. Gill found his “calling”.

Callis will have her own baggage, with residency, decisions on the Bench, all that Metro East legal baggage will follow.

Congressman Davis now knows the parameters of his race, his “opponent”, and has just as much time as she does to do the Oppo, which I think might be a “hurt” not a “help” in announcing so early (no guessing, she is going, she could have made Rodney sweat a bit, but I digress…) and will have the Majority Party’s help, at the same time it’s the opposite of the White House in midterms…

YDD, double or nothing, Davis v. Callis, “Cannoil Part Deux”?

This will be a great race, for sure.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 3, 13 @ 3:27 pm
Why was Dr. David Gill a bad candidate? His loss margin was the same as the Great and Good Obama in the 13th district, and Obama had the home-team advantage as well as incumbency in his favor.

Comment by Pazyryk Friday, May 3, 13 @ 4:07 pm
Poor timing for Anne. If she thought she could not beat a 29 year old with dads money in a more democratic district how on earth will she beat an incumbant in an off year election cycle?

Comment by Madison Friday, May 3, 13 @ 4:15 pm
You’ve got to be frickin’ kidding me. Real people with real experience can’t get jobs, but failed candidates can.

Comment by Just Me Friday, May 3, 13 @ 4:17 pm
As many of us know, this is how the system is supposed to work. Maybe they are mastering it.

Comment by steve schnorf Friday, May 3, 13 @ 6:00 pm