For GOP rival, White is `Goliath'

But Rutherford likes secretary of state bid

Chicago Tribune

By James Kimberly

October 18, 2006

At the Illinois Library Association annual conference earlier this month, the candidates for state Secretary of State were asked about "the digital divide," the technology gap that separates wealthy libraries from poor ones.

In a voice so low that it was almost a murmur, Democrat Jesse White, the eight-year incumbent, said he would work with lawmakers to "see what we can do." The secretary of state also is the state's head librarian.

Republican state Sen. Dan Rutherford, a business executive, was ready for the question. He spoke with conviction about how we would push for more funds for libraries. "One of my top priorities," he told the crowd, "will be technology enhancement."

But when the speeches were over, it was White--not Rutherford-- who got a standing ovation from the library group.

The exchange was a lesson in the power of a popular incumbent, and it showed the stark differences between Rutherford and White.

"It's hard to put into words. He's just a very warm person," said Barbara Galik, executive director Bradley University library, trying to explain White's popularity. "Most of us have met him."

Rutherford faces many challenges in this campaign. Not only must he run as a Republican at a time when polls show Illinois and much of the nation is favoring Democrats, but he also must hope to overtake someone even other Republicans describe as one of the most popular Democrats in Illinois.

White, 72, of Chicago, an Army veteran and a former minor league baseball player, has a long history of public service.

He taught school in Chicago, served as a state representative and as Cook County Recorder of Deeds. But White is perhaps best known for the tumbling troop that he founded in 1959 to help inner-city children, The Jesse White Tumbling Team.

That history makes White's allure to voters, particularly in Chicago, almost irresistible, said Kent Redfield, professor of political studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

"It's a combination of those things; it gives him a tremendous public view and an image," Redfield said. "You can't compete with that."

Still, Rutherford, 51, of Chenoa, is determined to try.

Campaign advantage

Rutherford is an experienced politician who was executive director of Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign in Illinois and is an executive with ServiceMaster Corp., the parent company of 5,500 well-known subsidiaries such as TruGreen Chemlawn, Terminix and Merry Maids.

His campaign platform highlights technological improvements for the office and aggressive attacks on White.

Although he refers to White as "the Goliath of the Democratic Party," Rutherford insists he is not intimidated by the incumbent's popularity.

"He's never run against Dan Rutherford before," Rutherford quips. "The Lord created the earth in seven days and he had one of them to rest, just think what I can do between now and Nov. 7."

Rutherford has more than just White's popularity to overcome. White also has a sizable advantage in campaign fundraising. According to the most recent finance disclosure forms filed with the state, White had more than $2 million available in his campaign fund compared to just under $600,000 for Rutherford.

Rutherford is hoping that his message can make up the difference.

"I think Jesse White could be the most popular Democrat in Illinois," said State Rep. Shane Cultra (R-Onarga), whose district lies within Rutherford's Senate district.

"I think Dan is out to win. He's got a lot of good ideas when you listen to him," Cultra said.

Whenever Rutherford speaks to a crowd--which is often, since the statewide race receives little media attention--he poses some variation of the following question: How many of you had problems the last time you visited a driver's license facility?

"The hands pop up," he insists.

Rutherford talks about upgrading the technology in the office so that customers can schedule appointments to get a new driver's license. He also wants corporations to file paperwork online.

"The secretary of state is the largest service component of our Illinois government," Rutherford said. "That's where I think my background in the service industry helps."

Rutherford also is proposing a plan that would give the parents of teen drivers instant access to the driving records of 16 and 17 year olds.

White dismisses Rutherford's suggestions as impractical.

"He hasn't come up with anything we can use," White said.

White does not like the idea of creating a system of appointments. Anyone who has visited a doctor or a dentist knows that you can wait even with an appointment, White said.

White said he has improved the office dramatically from the way it was under former secretary of state and Gov. George Ryan.

Many simple transactions can now be done online, such as buying license plate stickers, changing addresses or allowing safe drivers to renew a driver's license, White said.

White said he would consider Rutherford's suggestion to give parents access to the children's driving records, but he's not yet convinced that will work.

"I want to complete my work. My goal is to be the best secretary of state the state of Illinois has ever enjoyed," White said.

Accusations fly

Rutherford has accused White of nepotism and failing to fight corruption in the office.

He reminds voters that several of White's relatives work for the agency, including White's daughter, Glenna White-Jones, whom White promoted from a position in the Finance Department to a $112,000 a year managerial position.

Last week, Rutherford said two contracts awarded to the wives of high-paid administrators in the secretary of state's office may have violated state law, and he asked the Illinois attorney general to investigate.

Rutherford also campaigns heavily on the recent federal conviction of a former secretary of state department head for a ghost-payroll scheme. Cecil Turner, 59, of Springfield, awaits sentencing.

White said he approved the two promotions his daughter received because she was qualified for them.

He said he sees nothing wrong with his relatives working for the office as long as they are qualified and he does nothing to circumvent the hiring process for them.

As for corruption, White notes that he has appointed former U.S. Atty. Jim Burns as the inspector general of the office to root out wrongdoing.

"It's zero tolerance for not doing what you're supposed to be doing," White said.

He accused Rutherford of running simply to raise his statewide name recognition, a charge the Republican denies.

`I could do a better job'

"In my mind, in my heart, I know I could do a better job as secretary of state than Jesse White," Rutherford said.

Whether or not it is his goal, heightened name recognition might be what Rutherford wins this fall, said Redfield, the college professor.

"Rutherford is in a situation where if you run a good campaign, you get noticed and you might be able to move up," Redfield said. "No one is expecting him to win. It's a way to get noticed."

The development, hosting and maintenance of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars. The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's calls and e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.