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"I am totally committed to
winning this election for governor and to bringing a new generation
of leadership to Illinois and state government," Brady said. "I see
new energy in my campaign every day from volunteers and supporters
who believe I am the best candidate to beat Rod Blagojevich and to
bring new vitality and integrity to Illinois." Brady said he was
not interested in other spots on the ticket, as some have suggested.
"I am running for governor, period," he said. "I would not be in
this race if I did not firmly believe that I am the best candidate
to lead the renewal of my party and our state."
Brady said his campaign has the momentum, the enthusiasm, the
support and the financial commitments to mount a strong campaign
over the next 12 months.
"This will be a winning campaign," he said.
Brady was endorsed by a conservative summit similar to one that
bolstered the campaigns of Al Salvi in 1996 and Peter Fitzgerald in
1998. He is building a strong grass-roots organization and has
already received assurances of financial assistance from national
Republican organizations for the campaign after the primary
election.
Brady said his solid standing in recent public opinion polls
shows widespread support for his effort, despite the fact that he
has not previously been in a statewide campaign or spent millions of
dollars for television commercials to boost his name identification.
Brady, a 12-year veteran of the General Assembly and a central
Illinois businessman for the last 25 years, announced July 26 he
would seek the GOP nomination for governor in 2006. ["Brady
announces candidacy for governor"]
Brady wins support with Rauschenberger withdrawal from race
Brady said that the withdrawal of a Senate colleague from the
governor’s race strengthens his ability to win. Brady said he will
seek the support of Sen. Steve Rauschenberger’s backers and pledged
to work to have all Republican voters unite behind his campaign.
[to top of second column] |
 Brady said Rauschenberger’s decision "reflects the growing
enthusiasm I have felt for my campaign and my beliefs." He added
that former Rauschenberger supporters are already switching their
allegiance to the "Brady for governor" team.
"Obviously, picking up the ideological supporters of Steve
Rauschenberger does nothing but add to our ability to win," Brady
told reporters in Chicago.
Brady said the narrowed field strengthens his position "to carry
the message of mainstream conservative values forward and to ensure
the needs of all Illinois are met."
"This will be a race for the future of the Republican Party, a
contest between the old guard and a new generation of leadership, a
contest between mainstream conservative and liberal beliefs," Brady
told reporters in Chicago. "As a legislator, businessman and family
man, I have a consistent track record of supporting mainstream
conservative issues and of working to make Illinois strong."
As the only downstater running for governor, Brady understands
the problems and issues of downstate Illinois.
In Macomb on Wednesday, he met with local officials and the
president of Western Illinois University. He ended the day at a
Macomb reception, where he was introduced by state Rep. Rich Myers,
R-Colchester.
"I wouldn't be in this race if I didn't think I had the best
opportunity of beating Rod Blagojevich," Brady told the crowd in
Macomb. "The people of Illinois and the Republican party are looking
for a new generation of leadership. Secondly, it's going to take a
downstate candidate to beat Rod Blagojevich."
[News
release from
Bill Brady,
candidate for governor] |
