Daley changes stance on accepting money in session

Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley has reversed his stance on fundraising while lawmakers are in session as he’s preparing his gubernatorial bid.

Last week the Chicago Democrat proposed a ban on fundraising for all state lawmakers and candidates while they’re in session. He said he’d adhere to that principle this year, even though he’s not in office.

But Daley says Tuesday he’s “corrected” that. He says he’s not an elected official yet so taking donations won’t influence anything. Daley spoke to reporters in Springfield while lawmakers met.

He says if he stopped fundraising during session it’d be “political grandstanding.”

Daley formed an exploratory committee to challenge Gov. Pat Quinn. But Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has raised more money than both. She hasn’t declared if she’ll run.