Brady to run for governor in 2010

By Patrick Stout/patrick@MacombJournal.com

MACOMB – State Senator Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, told a roomful of people in Macomb Saturday that he will seek his party’s nomination for governor in 2010.

Brady was guest speaker at the McDonough County Republican Central Committee Lincoln Day Dinner, held on the campus of Western Illinois University and including guests from four surrounding counties.

Brady ran for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2006 and was defeated in the party primary by State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka.

The GOP standard bearer was unsuccessful in challenging Democrat Rod Blagojevich’s bid for a second term.

“This state is in debt to the tune of $8,800 for every man, woman, and child who lives here,” said Brady. “Illinois is, unfortunately, broke. We are the highest debtor state in the nation…and it’s all because the Democrats don’t get it.”

Brady was critical of House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones as well as the governor. He said all three are driving voters into the arms of the GOP if the party can offer the right candidates.

“The people of Illinois are with us, just as they were with Jim Edgar when he ran for governor,” he said.

But the state senator said Republicans need to reach into new areas for support.

Brady said his party lost 85 per cent of the minority vote in the last election. “Why did we lose those votes? Research shows they didn’t think our party was welcoming to them,” he said. “We need to make that invitation.”

Prior to the start of the dinner, Brady praised the numbers of young people who’ve gotten involved in the Republican Party.

“Some have worked their way into leadership,” he said. “We have one county chairman who’s 25 and another who’s 27. Aaron Shock in Peoria will be elected the next congressman from that area. These are bright lights in the Republican Party. We’ve opened our doors to youth and minorities. We’ve learned our lesson from the neglect in our past.”

Brady said he feels 2008 is a building year for Illinois Republicans.

“There will be clear differences and clear choices,” he said. “People are tired of the Chicagocentric party control. I love Chicago. But there’s more to Illinois.”

The state senator told the crowd that the economy and quality of life are key issues on which to base a campaign.

“Illinois has lost 500,000 jobs in six years,” said Brady. “The answer to Illinois’ problems is not to increase taxes, but to bring jobs back to this state.”

A special guest at the Lincoln Day Dinner was Erika Harold, Miss America 2003. Harold, who was selected Miss Illinois in 2002, told the group she traveled 20,000 miles a month during her year as Miss America. Her platform involved faith-based community initiatives.

Harold now practices law in Chicago and continues to speak out on social issues. She is on the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries, the country’s largest advocacy group for prison ministry.

“It gives you a platform for the rest of your life,” Harold said prior to the start of the dinner about the Miss America title. “I want to be involved in causes that make a difference.”

Harold said she would not rule out the possibility of becoming a political candidate some day. Of GOP leaders, she said, “They’re giving young people a chance to make real contributions.”

State Representative Rich Myers, R-Colchester, served as master of ceremonies for the political event. He concluded with a salute to members of the WIU College Republicans in attendance.

“They’ve helped with campaigns,” he said. “They are the future of this party.”