Chicago, IL -
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a supporter of equal rights for gays and lesbians, Monday announced she would seek a fourth term in office - ending speculation that she would challenge Gov. Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary.
Madigan cites her powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan, as part of her decision.
"I considered running for governor because of the need for effective management from that office and the frustration so many of us feel about the current lack of progress on critical issues facing Illinois," Madigan said in a statement. "Ultimately, however, there has always been another consideration that impacts my decision. I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a governor and speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for governor if that would be the case. With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for governor."
Speaker Madigan received a considerable amount of criticism and blame for not taking a more active role in pushing Senate Bill 10, or the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would have made same-sex marriage legal in Illinois, through the Democratic-controlled House.
In a June 23 interview with Windy City Times, Lisa Madigan said she had conversations with some lawmakers about supporting the bill.
"Yes, throughout session, and even in particular the last several days when people hopeful that we were only a handful of votes away," she said. "Then, it started looking as if it was far more than that because some members of the legislature had been put under so much pressure that while at some point they may have indicated a possible willingness to be supportive, they were now indicating essentially the opposite. So I spent many hours on the phone that Thursday and Friday with legislatures, reassuring them of several things."
Gov. Quinn continues to support marriage equality legislation.
Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley remains the only Democratic challenger to Gov. Quinn.
Madigan cites her powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan, as part of her decision.
"I considered running for governor because of the need for effective management from that office and the frustration so many of us feel about the current lack of progress on critical issues facing Illinois," Madigan said in a statement. "Ultimately, however, there has always been another consideration that impacts my decision. I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a governor and speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for governor if that would be the case. With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for governor."
Speaker Madigan received a considerable amount of criticism and blame for not taking a more active role in pushing Senate Bill 10, or the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would have made same-sex marriage legal in Illinois, through the Democratic-controlled House.
In a June 23 interview with Windy City Times, Lisa Madigan said she had conversations with some lawmakers about supporting the bill.
"Yes, throughout session, and even in particular the last several days when people hopeful that we were only a handful of votes away," she said. "Then, it started looking as if it was far more than that because some members of the legislature had been put under so much pressure that while at some point they may have indicated a possible willingness to be supportive, they were now indicating essentially the opposite. So I spent many hours on the phone that Thursday and Friday with legislatures, reassuring them of several things."
Gov. Quinn continues to support marriage equality legislation.
Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley remains the only Democratic challenger to Gov. Quinn.
