Governor bid unlikely for Cronin

With other Republicans making plans to run for governor in 2014, Dan Cronin says he’s content with his job as chairman of the DuPage County Board.

“I think I have a pretty good understanding of what needs to be done to get the state back on track,” Cronin said when asked if he’s a considering gubernatorial bid. “But I really like what I’m doing. And I don’t have any plans to go anywhere else.”

The Elmhurst Republican said some have approached him with the idea of running. While he’s flattered to be asked, he said his current role is very rewarding.

Meanwhile, DuPage already has one candidate. Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, who lost the 2010 GOP primary for governor, has confirmed that he’ll be making another bid.

Other Republicans talking about the state’s top job are U.S. Rep Aaron Schock of Peoria, state Treasurer Dan Rutherford of Chenoa and state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington.

“It could be a contentious primary,” said Cronin, adding the GOP needs to come out of the primary with a candidate who is a problem solver if it wants a chance to take back the governor’s mansion.