By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Assuming Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White makes good – this time – on his retirement plans, there’s no shortage of candidates.
Entering the competition Wednesday is State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort). Hastings, 40, an Army veteran who played football at West Point, says the job would not be a stepping stone.
“I’m not looking for another title. I am going to make sure that people’s interaction with Illinois state government is a positive experience,” Hastings said in an interview Tuesday. “A lot of people across Illinois, for one reason or another, have been affected by the pandemic – unemployment – some people may not feel as positive about Illinois, but I do! I feel like we can do a lot of great things for people, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
The secretary has thousands of jobs at his or her disposal – Hastings says he would hire the best people available, and he believes that was White’s goal, too.
Former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has already begun a campaign, and Chicago city clerk Anna Valencia has formed an exploratory committee. With the primary a year away and the seat coming open, it’s likely the list is only beginning.
Dave Dahl can be reached at news@wjbc.com
