Dart 'loves' his job, to run again for Cook Co. sheriff

Rejecting a run for higher office, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced Tuesday he'll seek re-election next year.

"I am asking voters for the chance to run for another term because the progress we have made has shown me just how much we can accomplish if we all work together with a common goal and purpose," Dart said in a news release.

The 47-year-old Chicago Democrat, who has served in both houses of the Illinois Legislature as well as a county prosecutor, admitted he had been "courted" to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Roland Burris or president of the Cook County Board. Yet, citing his accomplishments and laying out plans for a second term, he said he would seek re-election instead.

"Three years ago, the people of Cook County entrusted me to run this department as openly, honestly and transparently as possible," Dart said, adding that he believes he has done so.

Dart cited technological changes at the Cook County Jail "that have kept its population consistently below capacity for the first time in years." He also boasted of restructuring the gang and drug units, pressuring the Craigslist Web site for its role in sex crimes and holding the line on foreclosure evictions in the tough economy.

He said he would push through additional technology updates at the jail if he wins a second term. "I want to see the jail completely automated, from visitation to release," Dart said.

Dart was also mentioned as a possible candidate for state attorney general before Lisa Madigan announced she was seeking re-election.

Dart leaked his announcement early Tuesday on his Facebook page, when he gave another more personal reason for not seeking higher office, writing that he "loves having a job that I truly enjoy and which allows me to see my family each night."