Bob Daiber
(Photo courtesy of Daiber for Governor)

He may not be the best-known figure in Illinois or even Metro-East politics, but Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools Bob Daiber believes he may have what it takes to become the governor of the Prairie State — with a campaign themed around stability.

Daiber, a 60-year-old Democrat from Marine, formally announced his candidacy Feb. 13 with a rally at the Manny Jackson Center for the Humanities in Edwardsville; accompanied by his wife of twenty-four years, Karen, and their two sons.

“I am declaring my candidacy for governor to bring about stability to this state. Our financial condition is a growing issue and it will take compromise to solve the crisis. (Republican Gov. George) Rauner has failed in his constitutional duty as governor to propose a budget again this year. This is unacceptable. People are suffering, Illinois is suffering and Rauner is getting richer,” said Daiber said in his campaign kick-off address.  “Rauner has tripled his income while governor and the rest of the state is broke.”

Illinois has not had a full-year budget since 2015.

“Illinois must have a budget to attract business and uphold its responsibility to all entities that provide state services,” Daiber said.

Daiber promised he will work to develop an atmosphere of compromise and collaboration to move the state forward.

“Government must work in the best interest for all of Illinois, not a select group. Small business owners, farmers, and retired members of the state have much at stake as well,” said Daiber.

Daiber said he would work to resolve Illinois’ backlog of bills, improve the state’s bond rating, and adequately fund education.

In a bid to secure labor support, Daiber also pledged not to sign right-to-work legislation — a top priority of Gov. Rauner, which would bar the payment of union dues as a term of employment and thereby, according to critics, weaken labor organizations.

“Business growth and development happens when states have a highly skilled workforce, assist to provide infrastructure for business and industry, and make permitting efficient. Rauner’s turnaround agenda is holding our budget hostage for the sake of weakening collective bargaining agreements and eliminating prevailing wage. We should not be balancing the budget by breaking the backs of the working class.”

He called on other Democratic candidates across the state to similarly pledge opposition to right-to-work legislation.

Daiber also said he will promote efforts to strengthen revenue for local governments.

Daiber is the third Democrat to formally announce a campaign to unseat Gov. Rauner in the 2018 election.  47^th Ward Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar announced his bid to seek the party’s gubernatorial nomination in a Jan. 3 tweet.  Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy, the son of late Sen. Robert Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, formally announced his campaign for the governor’s office in a Jan. 8 YouTube video.

Chicago venture capitalist Jay Robert “J. B.” Pritzker is rumored to be considering a run for the governor’s office on the Democratic ticket.

So far, no Republicans have announced plans to challenge Gov. Rauner in the 2018 GOP primary.

Daiber’s campaign committee, Daiber for Governor, currently has a total $21,000 in funding with no debts or obligations, according to the online campaign finance tracking service Illinois Sunshine.  Daiber has personally contributed $20,000 to his campaign, according to the website. Staunton real estate agent Kevin Engelke contributed the $1,000.

Pawar, by comparison, told the Chicago Tribune last week he feels he is at a fundraising disadvantage, entering his campaign with less than $60,000 in funding.

Southern Illinoisans have long complained they play second fiddle to Chicago in Illinois politics; with upstate candidates often enjoying better name recognition and substantial political and funding resources.

Part of an America’s best-known political dynasty, Kennedy is a former president of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart Properties.

Forbes estimates Pritzker’s net worth at $3.4 billion.

However, Dabier believes he will bring a fresh perspective to the race, which will appeal to both upstate and downstate voters.

“As a candidate for governor, I also have great concern about the crime rate in Illinois.” Daiber said.

He indicated he did not believe the problem could be solved by just hiring more police. If elected, he proposes to implement a statewide mentoring program for at-risk youth in grades 6 through 12. He is currently piloting such a program in Madison County called Give 30 and invited the audience to view it at www.Give30.net.

Daiber’s campaign website is http://bobdaiber.com.

— Regional school superintendent launches gubernatorial bid —