Daley Considering Run for Governor in Illinois
Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley told reporters he is "seriously" considering mounting a bid for governor in 2014, setting up a potential primary challenge to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
Daley spoke to reporters after making a speech at the City Club of Chicago, and contrasted his seriousness this time around with the two times he previously considered running. The Chicago Tribune:
"I think when I looked (at running) last time, I was looking at it," Daley told reporters later. "I'm seriously looking at it right now." Daley called Gov. Pat Quinn, who has indicated he would seek re-election, "a good, decent, honest man," but also noted that his speech was about how "we have a problem right now in leadership" at the state Capitol.
Quinn is very unpopular heading into his reelection bid: A Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV poll conducted in October among showed Quinn's approval rating at just 26 percent.
In addition to serving as White House chief of staff for President Obama, Daley (whose brother is former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley) was also Commerce Secretary under Bill Clinton.
A large number of Repbulicans may be eyeing the race as well, including Rep. Aaron Schock, state Sen. Kirk Dillard, state Sen. Bill Brady (R), Treasurer Dan Rutherford, and Rep. Joe Walsh, who was defeated in November.
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