I have been following the continuing saga of Bill Daley's quest for Governor of Illinois for the 2010 election.
As Tony Soprano might say, "Forgetaboutit."
Opportunity was knocking loudly in 2002 for Bill Daley to run Governor, but for a variety of reasons, Bill Daley passed it up. He likely would have roundly defeated the current Governor, Rod Blagojevich and would have defeated the former CPS (Chicago Public Schools) CEO Paul Vallas. At that point he had a fundraising advantage, an amazing name recognition and political connections with no peer.
But Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity again knocked for Bill Daley in 2006, but he, like many others were timid about taking on an incumbent governor. A weak incumbent governor, I might add. In many ways the 2006 campaign would have been an easier race for Bill Daley. He could have easily erased the money raising advantage of Governor Rod Blagojevich. He would have defeated this inept Governor in a landslide. Instead, an obscure former Alderman, Edwin Eisendrath and went a long way with little support and little money. Likely, Eisendrath would have opted not to run with Bill Daley in the race and Blagojevich would have ended his political career that year. Alas, we are stuck with this embarrassment to the Democratic Party of Illinois, Rod Bagojevich.
But again Bill didn't answer the knock.
Opportunity is again knocking for someone to take the governor's seat in 2010, but this time it is not knocking for Bill Daley. He is answering the door but nobody is there. Opportunity is knocking for Alexi Giannoulias (my first choice and someone who I would work feverishly to elect), it is knocking for Lisa Madigan (who would also make a fine Governor) and it is knocking for Dan Hynes (who would also do a fine job as Governor).
Bill Daley would get lost in this field of premium candidates. Giannoulias, Madigan and Hynes (they all had speaking roles at the Democratic National Convention on Monday) are all young, talented and intelligent people with limitless potential. Bill Daley apparently hears the knocking, but nobody is there.
Opportunity is knocking for the governor's race but it appears the wrong person is answering. To Bill Daley: "Forgetaboutit." Reading on Walden Bookstore.