Hynes: I'll bring independence to governor's race

Hoping to distance himself from Democratic leadership of the state, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes declared his candidacy for governor Thursday arguing he will bring fiscal discipline and independence.

"I think the people of Illinois expect a debate and expect a real choice," Hynes said about his primary run against Gov. Pat Quinn.

The attempt to play outsider comes from a three-term statewide officeholder and member of a political clan from Chicago's South Side. Yet, the comptroller has had no formal role in the budget disasters that came under Gov. Rod Blagojevich and now Quinn. Hynes was also an early critic of Blagojevich.

The state faces an $11 billion budget hole over two years as top Democrats are pushing an income tax increase to solve the problem. Hynes has been critical of Quinn's push for an income tax hike, but he wouldn't pledge Thursday to not raise income taxes if elected.

Instead, he is proposing deeper state budget cuts that he asserts will not "hurt real people" while pushing for more money from new casinos, raising business taxes and expanding the sales tax.

Hynes said Thursday he would lay out a more "comprehensive" budget plan during the campaign. The primary is Feb. 2.

Still, Hynes clearly plans an assault on Quinn's budget handling since taking office after the arrest and ouster of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Quinn was in his second term as lieutenant governor when he rose to the state's top post. He served one term in the early 1990s as state treasurer.

"Everyone has been very disappointed with state government and disillusioned with leadership in the governor's office," Hynes said.

Quinn said Thursday he has reached out to Hynes on budget matters, and he argued Illinois voters will see him as the real leader.

"The people of Illinois know I'm a good leader, a consistent leader, someone who cares about them, who isn't interested in small-time petty politics," Quinn said.

Hynes wouldn't extend his criticism to other Democratic leaders with major roles in the budget process, including House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

"These problems have been building for many years," he said. "I think all of us, instead of looking back, need to offer up constructive ideas moving forward."

Hynes, 41, enters the race with a distinct money and organization advantage to Quinn. He had about $3.5 million in his campaign fund at the end of June compared to Quinn's $702,448. He also is closer to many powerful unions and businesses, while Quinn has largely relied on a coalition of grass-roots supporters.

On the Republican side, primary candidates include state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom of Naperville, former Cicero spokesman Dan Proft of Wheaton, state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington and state Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine.