Former candidate Seals gets state gig

SPRINGFIELD — After three consecutive losses in bids for Congress, Democrat Dan Seals has been hired into the Gov. Pat Quinn administration to do economic development work.

Seals starts Tuesday as assistant director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a $121,090-a-year post, according to the appointment paperwork. Seals would need confirmation by the Illinois Senate for the job to become permanent.

Seals, of Wilmette, said his background as a director at General Electric and his economic development work between 10th Congressional District campaigns have prepared him for the job.

“This is a nice fit for me,” Seals said.

Seals made his first run for Congress in 2006 against Republican Mark Kirk. He tried again in 2008. Seals’ most recent attempt in 2010, against Republican Rep. Robert Dold, also ended in a loss.

Seals said he contacted Quinn in the weeks and months following the campaign about a job at the economic development agency.

“DCEO is the only one I asked about,” Seals said.

Some lawmakers have criticized the agency and called for budget cuts.

“It’s going to be a tough environment,” he said. “It’s not like there’s extra money lying around.”

“When you work in government, you’re used to not having all the resources,” he added.

The Senate could take up Seals’ confirmation later this month.