Rep. Scott Drury Announces Run For Governor

HIGHWOOD, IL — Best known for his opposition to Mike Madigan's reelection as Speaker of the Illinois House, 58th District State Rep. Scott Drury officially announced his candidacy for governor Tuesday.

Describing himself as the most independent Democrat in the General Assembly, Drury promised to rebuild trust between people and the government if elected governor.

The former federal prosecutor was elected to a third term last year representing Highwood, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Deerfield and parts of several other North Shore communities.

Drury wasted no time contrasting himself with the other candidates, including the newly-AFL-CIO-endorsed current front-runner, J.B. Pritzker. Drury referenced the newly disclosed 2008 FBI recordings of discussions between imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Pritzker over political appointments.

"While my colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and I were fighting to rid Illinois of public corruption, the current presumptive frontrunner was cozying up to corrupt Governor Blagojevich for an appointment,” said Drury. “That type of small thinking is the polar opposite of what Illinois needs right now.” Money, according to Drury's campaign, cannot buy character or judgement.

And Drury's announcement was also critical of other candidates claiming to be independent of the Democratic political machine.

"Imitation is the greatest form of flattery," quipped Drury. "I can assure you that when I took the bold step of not voting for Madigan, none of those candidates called to thank me or ask how they could help the effort to return Illinois government to the people."

Drury enters a Democratic field already including Kenilworth businessman Chris Kennedy, Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar, Evanston Sen. Daniel Biss, Madison County school superintendent Bob Daiber, Organizer Tio Hardiman, in addition to Pritzker. Featuring candidates with vast personal fortunes on both sides of the aisle, the upcoming gubernatorial race is expected to be among the most expensive ever.

Despite entering the race as an underdog, Drury's campaign is seeking to frame the race as offering just two choices. Voters will have the opportunity to select between "those with demonstrated loyalties to the Madigan Machine" and "the only candidate with a proven record of standing up" to powerful state politicians, Drury.

"I like those odds," Drury said.

Related:

• Health care attorney Bob Morgan announces he's running for the 58th District House seat.
• State Rep. Scott Drury Considers Bid For Governor

Top photo: 58th District State Rep. Scott Drury | Provided