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Jesse White to announce re-election bid

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is gearing up to announce his re-election bid for a fifth term in office.

White will make it official Thursday morning at a downtown Chicago hotel, campaign spokesman Dave Druker said Wednesday, adding that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is also expected to attend.

White, a 79-year-old Democrat, easily won his previous elections and any Republican challenger would have a difficult time beating him. White served as a state representative for 16 years and as Cook County's recorder of deeds.

He's also known for the Jesse White Tumbling Team, a gymnastics group he founded for children living in public housing. He still performs with the group.

Illinois GOP officials told the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises Newspapers (http://bit.ly/1g09joX ) that they are still talking to potential candidates, but that mounting a challenge may be difficult.

“I think you have to admit it would be a tough one to win,” said Republican state Sen. Kyle McCarter, of Lebanon.

White heads into the election with about $470,000 in his campaign accounts.

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