Bill Daley Announces Campaign For Governor

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 11, 2013 1:30PM

Bill Daley

Bill Daley, the son of one former Chicago mayor and brother of another, announced an exploratory campaign for Illinois Governor Tuesday morning with a two minute, 30 second video proclaiming the state “can’t wait” while lawmakers in Springfield dawdle on issues like pension reform and marriage equality. But it’s only a formality. Daley strategist Pete Giangreco told the Sun-Times the former Clinton Commerce Secretary and Obama White House chief of staff is “totally committed” to a gubernatorial run.

The announcement was a long time coming and not unexpected. Pundits have suspected Daley to challenge Gov. Pat Quinn for the 2014 Democratic nomination for months and wouldn’t let a possible campaign by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan change his plans. Daley telegraphed his announcement last week by criticizing Quinn for a lack of leadership in not forging a compromise on pension reform during the Illinois Legislature’s spring session.

Daley continued the tough talk in the video, posted below. "Let's face it, we're in serious trouble," he says, citing the state's unemployment rate, the failure to bring marriage equality legislation to a vote, and Quinn's inaction on a concealed carry bill. "We expect Springfield to fail. We've gotten used to it," he adds.

Giangreco said Daley already has a campaign infrastructure in place, has a website and hired campaign staff. Giangreco told Chicagoist Daley will be available to the media Thursday.