Brady eyes 2010 governor's race

Bloomington state Sen. Bill Brady says strong support at the grassroots level is what will propel him into the governor's office for the Republican Party in 2010.

At a Republican Assembly of Lake County gathering Thursday night in Mundelein, Brady acknowledged mistakes he made in his first attempt to win the state's highest elective office in 2006. He said he underestimated Illinois' size and the amount of money required to become governor.

Republican voters picked former state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka over Jim Oberweis, Ron Gidwitz and Brady in the 2006 primary. Topinka wound up getting pounded by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the general election.

Looking ahead to 2010, Brady said he figures he'll need $10 million to $20 million in a campaign for governor. Brady said he'll have an advantage the second time around because he's made valuable contacts statewide since 2006.

"I believe we'll launch the greatest grassroots campaign this state has even seen," Brady told about 35 members of the conservative Republican organization in a motel meeting room.

Brady, 46, served in the Illinois House for eight years before he was appointed to the state Senate in 2002. He's part of an influential downstate development family.

On the issues, Brady said creation of jobs through tax and fee relief would be part of his platform in the governor's race.

He also said ethics and eliminating corruption in state government are at the top of his list.

Brady, who planned to visit Mount Vernon in southern Illinois today, said Blagojevich must be ousted from office in 2010.

"If he's not removed by then by a grand jury or a jury," Brady added.