By Dave Dahl

BLOOMINGTON – A local Republican is joining a handful of Democrats in the campaign to succeed Jesse White as Illinois secretary of state.

It’s State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).

If six-term incumbent White, who is retiring, ever did a good job, Brady says he is not now. Brady says lines at driver service facilities are so bad one e-mailer told him he’d rather drive with an expired license. And Brady says one of his ideas is to pass legislation allowing first-time driver’s license applicants to take the road test at school, easing the burden on the driver service centers.

Being a Republican from downstate does not discourage Brady.

“Every campaign I have ever been in,” said Brady, “one: I have been the underdog; two: I have been underfunded, at least in my opinion, and this will be nothing new.”

Brady is serving his eleventh term in the Illinois House, following eight years as McLean County coroner.

Announced Democrats include Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell, Chicago Ald. David Moore, former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago area not-for-profit director Sidney Moore, and Chicago city clerk Anna Valencia.

The primary is June 28.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]