A lawmaker from west-central Illinois is ready to make a run for statewide office.
State Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) paused for a few seconds before addressing a friendly crowd of about 150 people in Quincy's Washington Park Tuesday morning.
She told the onlookers that she had accepted State Senator Kirk Dillard's (R-Hinsdale) request to join him in his bid to be Illinois' next Governor and run as Lt. Governor.
I think definitely we are the right team
State law now allows gubernatorial candidates to select their own running mates.
Rep. Tracy says she took a close look at all of the Republican candidates for Governor before making her decision.
"They're all great men and as I said, I appreciate anybody for taking up this task," says Rep. Tracy. "However, if you look at Sen. Dillard's strengths, his breadth of experience, I think definitely together, with my background and business exposure, I think definitely we are the right team.”
Sen. Dillard agrees, saying Rep. Tracy brings a lot to the ticket.
“Jil brings geographic diversity, growing up in southern Illinois, is here from western Illinois," says Sen. Dillard. "But she is a business woman, she is incredibly bright, a tough problem solver.”
Rep. Tracy has served in the Illinois House since 2006.
She currently serves on the pension conference committee and previously served on the panel that recommended the impeachment of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.
She previously worked in the Illinois Attorney General’s office.
Rep. Tracy says she will remain in office during the campaign.
The Republican primary election is six months away.
