Posted on 07/02/2003 10:34:31 PM PDT by LdSentinal
SPRINGFIELD - Chicago businessman John Cox formally announced his candidacy for the 2004 U.S. Senate race on Monday, becoming the third conservative millionaire on the Republican campaign trail.
The candidate focused much of his introductory speech on ending corruption in Illinois, on the same day the public awaited sentencing of Scott Fawell, chief architect of the licenses-for-bribes scandal in Republican George Ryan’s secretary of state office.
"I want to lead a rebirth of the Illinois Republican Party around true conservative values, principles and ethics," said Cox, 47. "I’m running for the U.S. Senate to restore confidence and integrity in our state party."
While Cox stressed that the tide of "corruption and cronyism" has risen in recent years, he said the GOP doesn’t shoulder all the blame. He characterized Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s support for legislation benefiting telecom giant SBC Communications and expansion plans for O’Hare International Airport as examples.
"If we really want to create jobs, we should build an airport where there is less-expensive land and less development already existing - the south suburbs," he said.
Cox’s support of a third airport in Peotone instead of O’Hare expansion separates him from fellow GOP candidates Jack Ryan, a former investment banker, and Andy McKenna, president of Schwartz Paper Co. in Morton Grove.
A native of Chicago’s south side, Cox was raised in the south suburbs. He earned an accounting degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a law degree from Chicago’s Kent College of Law.
Those credentials later translated to a number of successful investment firms, which Cox said put his net worth in range of $5 million to $15 million. For now though, the pro-life pro-gun rights candidate said he plans to spend a minimal amount of his own money on the campaign.
Like McKenna, his GOP opponent, Cox would like to see a federal education tax credit that could defer the cost parents pay for private or home school.
Both candidates largely support the politics of President George W. Bush, especially his tax cuts. But Cox believes trimming taxes should come hand in hand with slicing fat.
The GOP field could still grow, with Aurora dairy owner Jim Oberweis and state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, R-Elgin, among those pondering a run.
Or, if you want a liberal rich guy, Oberweis.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.