Dillard
The "staunchest supporter of civil justice reform legislation in the Illinois General Assembly" -- according to a prominent tort reform advocate -- is running for the top job in Illinois government.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard, (R-Hinsdale), told a Chicago news station that he will run for governor in 2010. He is the second Republican to enter the contest. Sen. Bill Brady, (R-Bloomington) who ran for governor in 2006, announced in March he would again run.
In the interview, Dillard said he hopes to avoid a divisive primary, as Republicans have limited financial resources. He said he expects to raise $1 million by next month.
According to the most recent financial disclosure statement filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, Dillard's campaign committee had on hand $126,834.66.
Likely Democrat contenders are Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Ed Murnane, president of the Illinois Civil Justice League, has lauded Dillard for championing legal reform legislation.
Dillard has sponsored bills related to: