Posted on 07/02/2003 10:20:52 PM PDT by LdSentinal
PEORIA - The latest multi-millionaire to turn neophyte politician came to Peoria on Monday to tout himself as a candidate for the common people.
Blair Hull, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by fellow multi-millionaire Peter Fitzgerald, stressed his roots: Fuller Brush salesman, high school math teacher, former card-carrying union member.
"I have life experience," Hull said during an appearance at Carver Community Center in South Peoria.
The Chicago businessman, who sold his stake in 1999 in the trading company he founded for almost $340 million, would hold an elected office for the first time if he wins. Fitzgerald, the Republican incumbent who won the 1998 election after spending millions of his fortune, has decided he doesn't have the stomach for a second term.
Hull, 60, said the tax cuts by President Bush are unfair even though they benefit him.
"We need a senator who understands the simple reality that millionaires should be last in line for a tax cut - not first in line," Hull said. "We need a senator who understands that if we want to get our economy going, we have to invest in our communities and put people back to work. Since George W. Bush took office, Illinois has lost 204,000 jobs. As a businessman, I've created jobs, and I want to take that experience back to Washington."
Hull also said he's against the war in Iraq.
"Having served four years in the military, I believe you put your troops in harm's way as a last resort," Hull said. "I believe we needed to form a coalition including Arab nations. I believe we should have used diplomatic means."
Hull, the divorced father of four, has said he used $25,000 in winnings from blackjack to start his trading company. He worked with a team of about 20 in the early 1970s to unload money from the casinos by counting cards. According to financial statements he's filed, Hull's wealth is between $150 million and $500 million and his income last year was at least $17 million. He has said he could spend up to $40 million of his fortune on the Senate race.
Hull faces a crowded field for the Democratic nomination, including Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, state Sen. Barack Obama of Chicago, former Chicago School Board president Gery Chico, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Metamora Mayor Matt O'Shea.
Jack Ryan, a former vice president of Wall Street investment firm Goldman Sachs, plans to seek the Republican nomination. The primary is in March, and the general election is in November 2004.
After his speech at Carver Center, Hull hosted a barbecue of chicken and ribs from Grandpa John's Rib Shack. Some people attending said they liked his views, particularly on education.
"It would be education for every child, not just some children," said Ann Purrell, a retired Caterpillar Inc. employee from Peoria. "We know that right here in Peoria. Some schools don't have anything. It's just according to (their) location."
The funny thing is he doesn't seem to notice DEMOCRAT Blair Hull has spent more money than ANY OF THEM.
Funny how that works, eh? And at least Fitz actually held office BEFORE running for the U.S. Senate...
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