"Let us say we have one special person in the state of Illinois that is our Secretary of State who has touched many people's lives and not just the adults but the children and with that I would like to present to you the next Secretary of State and my good friend Jesse White," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
White made the announcement on Thursday in Chicago's Loop. He was first elected to the position in 1998, and has had landslide victories in every re-election since. His resume includes military service, Minor League Baseball, teacher, state legislator and founder of the Jesse White Tumblers, a favorite at parades and events.
"When I ran for this office, I was asked if I would use this office as a stepping stone, like other secretaries of state have used this office, to move forward in their life and their political career. And, I said that I would run for this office and this office only. I am true to my commitment and I always want my word to be good," White said.
As secretary of state, White is an advocate on traffic safety issues and organ donation, has worked to improve customer service within his agency, and improved technology.
In 2010, White received the most votes of any candidate seeking public office since 1978. Any Republican who might challenge him would have an uphill battle for the seat.
