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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Secretary Of State Jesse White Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

For the first time in 20 years, Jesse White says he will not be seeking re-election as Illinois’s Secretary of State.

Jesse White’s storied career has taken him from playing for the Chicago Cubs to the U-S Army to the Jesse White Tumblers.

Even though he isn’t up for election for another 3 years, White announced at the State Fair Thursday he won’t be running again.

White has already appointed his political protégé Alderman Walter Burnett Jr to fill his spot as Democratic Committeeman.

Burnett met White when he was a teenager living in the Cabrini Green Housing projects. He choked up while recounting those days.  

“I mean, we learned sports through from him, he gave us - whatever he got for free he gave it to the neighborhood,” Burnett said. “He was a father figure for many people in the neighborhood.”

White has been one of the most reliable - and popular - Democrats on the ballot - winning office with more than 60 percent of the vote…except the 81-year-old has threatened to not run before.

“Take it to the bank,” White said. “This is it.”

Speaking of the bank...White has more than $400,000 in his campaign account, which could potentially be used to help his allies.

White says he plans to serve out the remaining 3 years of his term.