Sec’y of State Jesse White endorses Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate

Secretary of State cites Treasurer’s record of job creation 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate, saying that Giannoulias is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to turn our economy around.

The first African American to serve as Illinois Secretary of State, White is a popular elected official and proven vote getter, winning all 102 Illinois counties in 2002 and taking 63 percent of the vote in 2006. He is the first statewide constitutional officer to endorse in this race.

“Alexi has a proven record of saving and creating jobs, and he is the only Democrat with a comprehensive plan to turn our economy around,” White said. “Alexi will stand up for ordinary citizens and against Washington insiders thanks to his pledge to not take campaign contributions from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists.”

“I’m honored to have the endorsement and support of Secretary White, a principled leader who has dedicated much of his life to public service and helping at-risk kids make the right choices and succeed in life,” said Giannoulias, who has the backing of more than 150 elected officials and organizations in Illinois who support his plan to move our country forward during these challenging economic times.

White inherited a scandal-plagued office and took steps to restore public confidence following the disgrace of George Ryan’s license for bribes scheme, one of the worst corruption scandals in state history. He’s also modernized the office and drafted legislation to crack down on teen driving deaths and strengthen DUI laws.