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* Now that Rep. Chad Hays (R-Catlin) has announced his retirement, longtime former Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) has expressed an interest in running…
“I know my way around that situation a little bit and I think I could be an advocate for this district, as Chad was. And an advocate for community colleges and the university (of Illinois) and education,” said Black, who is on the board of Danville Area Community College. “I’m not a shrinking violet and I’m not going to go over there and say, ‘Oh, gee whiz, why did you do that?’” […]
“I’d be 77 years old when I was inaugurated, but one good thing is I’m not going to go over there and say, ‘Boy, I want to stay here as long as I could stay,’” he said. “It would be with no trepidation and no fear of what might happen to me, other than health-related.”
Black acknowledged that he has kidney disease, “but it’s under control.” And he had what he called “a mild heart attack” three years ago, “but I’ve got a great cardiologist.”
He said he and wife Sharon “were out and about yesterday and people were very encouraging. I don’t know. I’m having lunch with people and we’re going to talk about it. Obviously, I’d like to see the seat stay in Vermilion County.”
Bill announced he was quitting a few times before he actually did, and has since talked about running again, so this is not really a surprise. Whether he’ll try it or not is something we’ll have to wait to find out.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 10:47 am
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the House needs some more entertainment, that is for sure. But does he still have the fire in the belly?
Comment by Schlarman Steve Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 10:52 am
http://www.pjstar.com/x315484101/Finke-Madigan-still-gets-the-blame
Finke in 2008: “Now there’s a picture circulating showing Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, hugging Madigan.”
Would love to see that picture…
Comment by Chairman McBroom Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 10:57 am
I miss him a little bit, but someone needs to tell him how different the environment is now in Springfield. I’m not sure he’d enjoy serving in a caucus dominated by Governor Rauner and I don’t think Rauner would welcome Black back to his old job. I’d expect Rauner to find a young, inexperienced candidate to run for that seat. That’s been the M.O. for Team Rauner so far. They don’t want any seasoned legislators thinking for themselves inside the caucus.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 10:58 am
Bill’s the best, but 47 is spot on.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:02 am
==I’m not sure he’d enjoy serving in a caucus dominated by Governor Rauner==
God willing, that won’t be a problem by the time Black would take office again.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:04 am
#BringBackBillBlack
While - 47th Ward - makes the needed points to put in perspective the new realities, maybe the House needs some Old School, 77 year old that just won’t put up with Raunerism and could help Durkin remember he doesn’t need Raunerism 24/7/365.
I hope he considers a return.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:05 am
The House GOP could use a solid leader like Black, especially if his role includes mentoring.
Comment by Flip357 Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:11 am
He wouldn’t be able to take the current climate. He wouldn’t even able to take orders from Rauner and then Rauner would make him an enemy. It would be awful for him.
It would also screw with his pension becaue he would be a rank-and-file legislator at a lower rate.
Comment by Not It Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:11 am
Nothing Better than a BB rant follwed by his tossing the rules book in the air. Good Luck William
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:14 am
**I’d expect Rauner to find a young, inexperienced candidate to run for that seat.**
Agreed… but I’m not sure that person will be capable of beating Bill Black. If Black takes a run seriously, and wants to win, he will be very tough to beat in a primary.
Comment by JoeMaddon Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:17 am
Bill Black 2.0 ???
Add me to the group that always liked Bill. Also, add me to the group that would encourage him not to make this run.
Comment by A guy Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:23 am
Love him.
Comment by Captain Ed Smith Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:31 am
Come on back Bill. We need someone who can vote for the good of the District, not just be another Rauner drone.
Comment by Illinois 1867 Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:39 am
Guess my crystal ball was right. . .
Comment by Todd Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 11:43 am
Aw, jeez, Bill don’t do it. Your health is more important than our desire to see you do your thing.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 12:02 pm
Bill would be welcomed as a reasonable voice for the district- even with the antics. Chad was a true statesman and must have seen what the Rauner crew was up to. Which is DC politics with a dash of Sherman’s March and a Napoleon syndrome unchecked. Absolutely no care for this state - only the next step. They are on the way out only 2 1/2 years in. The lame duck title fits appropriately.They used the ‘Locust’ approach with McKenna, Topinka, numerous congressmen and Senator Kirk. What scares me the most is s what field will they devour next.Just ignore them and begin to rebuild our great state. They cant handle being sidelined.
Comment by Black Balled Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 12:27 pm
Who is going to replace Radogno for her seat?
Comment by What about Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 12:56 pm
I grew up in Bill’s district. I thank him for his service to the State.
However, I’d only encourage him to run if his eyes are open to the current environment. (Does he want a #@$^ing problem, rings a bell.)
he can mentor the other Reps all he wants, but if 90% of their campaign funds come from one man, that man holds the strings. You can’t mentor around that.
Comment by illini97 Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 1:14 pm
McCann-Black for Illinois 2018
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 2:49 pm
The question is would the Hon. Mr. Black take marching orders like most of the caucus?
Comment by anon2 Friday, Jul 7, 17 @ 4:23 pm