Schock hints he’ll run for governor, slams Dillard
Congressman Aaron Schock hasn’t formally confirmed a bid for governor yet, but he’s already come out swinging at the wide field of likely GOP primary candidates.
“I’ve watched cycle after election cycle, Republican horses trot out on the track and show nothing,” the Peoria Republican said in an indirect slam at state Sens. Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale, and Bill Brady, of Bloomington, who made unsuccessful bids for governor in 2010.
He also took a more direct shot at Dillard, who indicated shortly after the Nov. 6 election that he will be making a bid for governor in 2014.
“There was one guy who announced two months ago,” Schock said. “You can hear crickets,” he said of excitement over Dillard’s bid.
Schock, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, described a “world of hurt” for the debt-laden state of Illinois.
Schock, 31, gave a firm “yes” to questions about whether he is considering a bid but wouldn’t give a timetable on his decision.
“Any serious candidate will announce within the next six months,” Schock said.
Schock, whose views include opposing gay marriage and abortion, nonetheless stressed his electability across the state and said he would have “no problem competing in the suburbs” as he has performed well with moderate voters, women, and young people in past races.
Schock, however, would not comment on the state’s GOP leadership and a move by some GOP leaders to oust state party Chairman Pat Brady of St. Charles for his statements supporting legalized same-sex marriage.
“I”m not telling the state central committee what to do,” Schock said.