Even before Rockford-area State Rep. Dave Winters announced he was running for lieutenant governor in the Republican primary, Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole had put a post card in all Republican precinct committeeman’s mail boxes.
Emphasizing his web site, TEAMBRAD.com, on the front of the post card, Cole has a six paragraph note on the address side.
Small print, but let me try to re-type it:
As a leader at the local level, I see first-hand the issues that face out state. I understand the challenges that government must manage and I see how those challenges can be corrected if the right people are willing to work hard and made difficult decisions.
That is why I have decided to announce my Republican candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.
With my decade of executive experience in local government, I have a different attitude and approach to solving people’s problems…an approach aimed at actually getting the job done! And with my roots in both central and southern Illinois, I care about areas of the state that have gone too long without direct representation at the highest levels of state government.
The next campaign cycle will determine who leads our state and how we’ll address the critical issues standing in the way of economic growth and stability for Illinois families. Now is the time for a real advocate of the people. Now is the time to come together to make it happen.
I’m excited about being part of the change needed in Illinois politics…as your Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, I will be the type of leader Illinois can count on.
Thank you for your support!
/s/ Brad
While Dave Winters has $11,713.65 in his campaign account, Cole said he had $50,295.06 in the bank in his Illinois State Board of Elections campaign disclosure report. Randy White told the Board he had $13,444.77.
Cole describes his accomplishment thusly:
“When I was elected Mayor of Carbondale more than six years ago, I committed myself to serving the needs of a community that desperately needed renewed direction.
“With the help of a lot of people, we have made great strides in our community.
“We have eliminated the city’s portion of property taxes, implemented local medical malpractice reform, rebuilt our infrastructure, established better incentives for new businesses and housing developments, removed abandoned properties and cleaned-up eyesores, improved internal customer services, created innovative programs to foster new jobs and invest in our children and young people, and we tackled tough decisions like keeping our budget balanced and making public safety a priority.”
