Standing on a red, white and blue bunting draped stage, Dillard pleased the crowd with his talk of "strong, principled leadership to make Illinoisans proud of their state again." That's a tall order, Kirk, my boy, in a state that has seen three former governors do time in the last 50 years and its most recent twice-elected head of state possibly sliding down the same smarmy path.
Next, the 54-year-old hopeful called for enacting the Ethics and Campaign Finance Action plan proposed by the Illinois Reform Commission. Think we need ethics reform in Illinois? Then he said we need fiscal policies that are dedicated to the "Taxpayer First" mentality. 'Bout time.
And then pointing to his two little daughters, nieces, nephews and their friends, he called for "best-in-class educational reforms and leadership" while earlier saying the entire University of Illinois Board of Trustees should get the hook for the "friends first" admissions policy they have allowed.
And finally, he called for "swiftly renewing and reforming Illinois' jobs climate." Easier said than done, my friend, especially in a state like Illinois, where, as he pointed out, 20,000 manufacturing jobs have gone with the wind in recent days.
And, of course, stay tuned for details on how all of this is going to happen.
But what about crime? Law enforcement? Health care? Medicare? Medicaid? Massive debt?Economic stimulus? Slumped and stalled housing market? Elder care? Crumbling roads, bridges and rails? And a host of other serious problems that spell opportunity for a leader with answers. But like I said, details to come. There's a lot of time until November 2, 2010 for a lot of explanation.
But the part I liked best and the principle that may set Kirk Dillard apart from the rest of the field was his final statement:
"I believe in a 'purpose-driven life'...and that's why, as I look at my daughters, my wife and her (gubernatorial) ancestry*, my parents and my unique experience in all three branches of government and the monumental problems facing our state...I announce my candidacy for Governor of Illinois and I ask you for your prayers and support!"
For the mountains of problems to be moved that this state faces, it is going to take a purpose-driven governor working with a purpose-driven legislature elected by a purpose-driven electorate with a huge amount of divine intervention as well. Is that too much to hope and pray for in a state like Illinois? Good luck, Mr. Dillard. Good luck!
*Stephanie Dillard's great, great grandfather was Governor Richard J. Ogelsby
