advertisement

Former Gov. Dan Walker's request to remember his legacy

During his term as governor in the 1970s, Dan Walker - long known as a populist - wanted to have an event with some college students to talk about politics and his plans.

That's how Walker, who died early Tuesday, ended up in the basement of future DuPage County Republican fixture Kirk Dillard's fraternity house, offering to buy a keg of beer for the group of more than 100 students.

"We drove a hard bargain, and we made him buy two," Dillard said.

Dillard, now chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, said a photo including Walker and him showed the concern the one-term governor had for his legacy.

Dillard sent Walker the photo a few years ago, asking him to sign it. Walker sent it back promptly, along with a note.

It urged Dillard to remind Illinoisans in the wake of the George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich scandals that Walker's 18-month term in federal prison didn't stem from the Democrat's time as governor but instead his work in banking years later.

"It was because I made some bad business decisions," Dillard described the note as saying.

Walker's legacy includes a number of political descendants, including former Gov. Pat Quinn, who volunteered on Walker's first campaign.

Quinn met his future budget director, David Vaught of Naperville, while working on that campaign. Vaught says he met Walker in southern Illinois on Walker's famed 1,200 mile walk around the state.

"You could talk to him as long as you wanted because he'd say, 'Come on, walk with me,'" Vaught said.

Vaught also found a wife on that campaign in Walker's daughter, Kathleen.

"So I was off the campaign staff and into the family," Vaught said.

Dan Walker
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.