From the Kirk Dillard for Governor campaign…
Republican candidate for governor Kirk Dillard today welcomed the endorsement of the Chicago Sun-Times in his race for the GOP nomination.
“I’m honored to be selected among the field of Republican candidates running for the state’s highest office,” said Dillard. “I have long valued the Sun-Times for its editorial positions on issues of importance to Illinois. To receive its endorsement is a true honor.”
In its endorsement, the Sun-Times said of Dillard, “No other candidate comes close to matching his experience in the executive and legislative branches of state government, his knowledge of the back doors of power in Springfield, and his proven ability to build cross-party coalitions without abandoning core Republican values.”
The paper also cited Dillard’s strong ability to “work with all comers — Republicans and Democrats, tea-party conservatives and knee-jerk liberals — to get a good job done.”
“Clearly the paper has embraced my vision to bring decency, civility and integrity back to Springfield, to balance the budget and to grow the economy by attracting new jobs to the state,” said Dillard. “I believe my plan to make Illinois a ‘Destination Economy’ is the best road map to make Illinois work again.”
“We are a state in crisis,” Dillard continued, “and we need experienced leadership. I believe I offer unique experience as former Governor Jim Edgar’s Chief of Staff and as a State Senator. I won’t need on-the-job training. I won’t need a guided tour,” Dillard added.
Dillard has already received the endorsement of Edgar, who said Dillard “has the experience and bold vision to create jobs, balance Illinois’ budget and clean up Springfield.”