From the Putback Amendment effort…
I wanted to send you a quick note letting you know how our efforts faired. Unfortunately, we did not acquire enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot this year. No one is more disappointed in that result than I am.
For perspective though, to run for Governor (or any statewide office) you only need 5,000 valid signatures. Of the 11 candidates in the established parties who ran in the primary, at least 7 of those PAID signature gatherers. We need 100 times that and did not have the political parties supporting us and we had nominal funds to work with.
Despite all that and receiving scant media attention, we gathered many times more signatures than those politicians who has vast political armies at their disposal. We collected signatures in 78 of 102 counties. We started with no real political organization and build volunteers from every corner of this state who are committed to reform. For that, I thank you.
What now?
With the deadline past, the most important task is to see to it serious reformers are elected in November in every office across this state. We can do some things, but elected leaders have a great deal of influence by which to reform the state of Illinois.
It is also possible, beginning November 6th, to circulate Put-Back again to get on the 2012 ballot. I am evaluating that possibility to see if its a feasible choice.
Either way, I wanted to thank you for your support and hope I can turn to you again as we strive to reform our state.