News Local/State

Rutherford to Launch Gubernatorial Bid

By Jeff Bossert, With Additional Reporting from The Associated Press
 

After months of rumors, Republican Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford is announcing a run for governor in 2014, with a series of stops scheduled around the state next week.

He told The Associated Press on Thursday that he'll make it official Sunday that he's seeking the GOP nomination for governor, starting with an appearance in his hometown in Pontiac Sunday afternoon.

Starting with stops at two Chicago restaurants, the 13 appearances will include a visit to Willard Airport Tuesday afternoon. He will also make stops in Springfield, Marion, Cahokia, Quincy, Rockford, and Kankakee. 

Rutherford’s name surfaced last year as a possible Republican candidate in the 2014 gubernatorial primary. 

Other possible names include Republican Sens. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) and Kirk Dillard (R-Bloomington), and Chicago businessman Bruce Rauner. 

In the results of a survey e-mailed out this week by the group Battleground Polling, Rutherford earned the most support (27 percent) of the 400 people questioned.  Brady earned 19 percent, Dillard earned 14 percent, and Rauner 5 percent.

Peoria Republican Congressman Aaron Schock recently announced he would focus on re-election rather than pursue the state’s top office.

UPDATE:  Rutherford made the announcement official on his website on June 2.