David Axelrod, another noted political strategist and a Daley friend, said of Daley’s decision to enter the race: “This is obviously a difficult time for the state, but if you believe in public service, that’s when you want to serve.”
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In the end, Daley apparently did not believe enough in public service in difficult times. In just over three months, his commitment to the race declined by 100 percent. In an interview Monday night with a Tribune reporter, he offered his reasons for dropping out. They boiled down to “Being governor sounds hard.”
Most Illinois voters probably don’t care much about which candidate Bill Daley favors. But Daley’s statement about Rauner may give Rauner’s campaign more credibility among the people who matter—the big campaign contributors.
Rauner, you may recall—though Rauner hopes you won’t—apparently used his influence in 2008 to help his daughter get into Payton College Prep, the prestigious Chicago high school.
Old Man Daley fully supported the idea of a person using his influence to help his offspring, as he made clear in a memorable episode 40 years ago.
Rauner thus far has not said, “If I can’t help my daughter then they can kiss — —”. And I don’t believe he’s the kind of person who would ever say such a thing before he was elected.
