Bill Daley considering run for Illinois governor

Bill Daley considering run for Illinois governor
File: Bill Daley addresses the Democratic National Committee winter meeting on Feb. 26, 2011. AP/File
Bill Daley considering run for Illinois governor
File: Bill Daley addresses the Democratic National Committee winter meeting on Feb. 26, 2011. AP/File

Bill Daley considering run for Illinois governor

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Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley says he’s seriously thinking about running for Illinois governor.

The brother of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley spoke Thursday before the civic group City Club of Chicago.

“I have commented on this before, I said that I am thinking about it, seriously,” he said. “This is about governing now and everyone in this room should play a part in that.”

He talked about the legacy of his father, former Mayor Richard J. Daley, and the need to fix the state’s money problems.

“We need to pass the state’s fiscal troubles so we can focus on the farms, the factories the schools, and roads, the ports and highways that can make us stronger,” he said.

Bill Daley also talked about the need to find a solution for the state’s roughly $95 billion in unfunded pension liability.  

He said Illinois lawmakers need to compromise so the state can move forward in other key areas.

Currently, the state of Illinois has one of the lowest credit ratings in the nation due to its ongoing pension reform problem.

He said people in Illinois are “hungry for leadership” and a compromise among elected officials.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has said he’ll seek re-election in 2014.

The Chicago Democrat says he’s ready for any primary challenger.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.