Ron Gidwitz Quotations

There are too many people in our state that like it the way it is. Incumbents have a clear advantage and that would disappear.

Making an outrageous statement, unless she can prove it, seems to me that she's trying to change the headlines.

She talks about not taking money from contractors, (but) she's taken $600,000 from the banks she does business with. And she changed the policy. Prior to her becoming treasurer, the policy was no money from banks.

People would like to see a quality governor and administration. I believe I'm the best candidate to offer that to the Illinois voters.

I feel very strong that we need to do something to educate our work force.

He spent a lot of time on things that made the press. He elevated ISBE so it has more influence on the governor but he didn't appoint people with independent minds to serve on it. It lost independence.

I think it's inappropriate to have someone associated with that organization on a hate crimes commission.

It is absolutely silly, but then, when you think about it, we've got two days left in the campaign--it is the silly season. And this is emblematic about that kind of behavior.

I think it's very easy to concede certain populations to the Democratic Party, but quite frankly, they believe as I do that it's important to have a two-party system here, and more importantly that I represent the future rather than the past.

Our long journey ends here this evening. Would I do it again? My answer is a resounding yes. Running for governor is one of the most rewarding and exciting things I've ever done.

We need a leader who has a real vision to attract and create jobs.

I would just as soon not have to run against Jim Edgar. Jim Edgar occupies much of the same space that I'm targeting, and it would have been a more competitive race from my standpoint.

I would not be comfortable letting a contract if the governor opposed it. The governor's office provided a letter that they were quite satisfied with the existing board proceeding with the contract.

We have turned the 'Land of Lincoln' into the land of jackpot-justice.

We can turn this state around, working together to make Illinois a better place.

We clearly need a hate crimes commission but this commission today is dysfunctional and not working.

There comes a time in everyone's life where you have to face bad news. Illinois is at that point.

The problem is that people don't believe that there's no quid pro quo. We've seen too many stories... talking about 'pay to play,' and that's what this looks like.

We need to get the government off the back of the business community. We need to be a more job-friendly place.

The result of which, of course, is that a number of jobs (were lost) and other companies decided not to come here.

I unequivocally want to be your friend and supporter. I brought a check.

These are programs that the state right now can't afford. We're already in debt.

I've never heard of internships that pay $50,000 or $60,000. These internships are simply a way to reward those who pay their dues to Democratic campaigns.

This isn't going to be an easy fight, but Steve and I recognize we can wage a better battle if we join forces.

This amounts to counting chickens before they hatch in an effort to inflate the numbers.

This primary election offers the voters a real opportunity to upend the status quo and change our state.

It's nothing new to see we have a corruption problem. We need a change of administration and change of thought.

For 18 months, there should have been a whole series of weigh stations by which you can weigh the performance of (Harcourt). They should have known early on.

It's too close and it creates a real potential for conflict of interest.

It's the way the game is played, and he's playing the game to the fullest.

It's cotton candy for the election cycle, quite frankly.

These people have their hand in every deal, almost every deal, and to the detriment of the well-being of the rest of us.

I had never been contacted by a lobbyist before on any contract with the State Board of Education.

Illinois should do what families do. You prioritize your spending, and when you run out of money, you stop spending.

The guy that's got the money is going to define the candidate before he or she can define themselves. Judy won't have any money.