Candidates use web to jump into governor's race

By Jamey Dunn

Democrat Bill Daley announced today that he has formed a committee to explore a run for governor.

Daley, who served as President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, made the announcement via a video posted on YouTube. While in his video Daley says he is forming an exploratory committee, a strategist for his campaign told the Chicago Sun-Times that he plans to run. “He’s in, period,” Peter Giangreco told the Sun-Times today. “He’s totally committed. He’s 100 percent in.”

Daley, who has worked in the banking industry, also served as commerce secretary for former President Bill Clinton. He is the brother of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and son of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Our state needed a productive legislative session, but what happened? Pension reform failed again. Marriage equality dies at the last minute. Protecting our kids from illegal guns—another joke,” Daley said in his video. Watch the video here.

Gov. Pat Quinn plans to seek a second full term. His campaign released this statement today.“Gov. Quinn continues to lead the fight for comprehensive pension reform, marriage equality and gun-safety and he will not stop fighting until these are law. With the primary in March, the governor is focused on working hard for the people of Illinois. There will be plenty of time for politics in the future.”

Another gubernatorial candidate announced his entrance into the 2014 race via YouTube video last week. Republican businessman Bruce Rauner released his open campaign launch video last week and already has two additional political ads. This strategy allows candidates to avoid potential gaffes in live press conferences. Both candidates granted interviews to select media outlets. Watch Rauner’s announcement video here.

Republican state Treasurer Dan Rutherford has also announced his plans to run for the governor's office. Rutherford went with a more traditional strategy by traveling the state to announce along several campaign stops.