Dan Rutherford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dan Rutherford
|
|
|---|---|
Rutherford in 2009
|
|
| 73rd Treasurer of Illinois | |
| In office January 10, 2011 – January 12, 2015 |
|
| Governor | Pat Quinn |
| Preceded by | Alexi Giannoulias |
| Succeeded by | Mike Frerichs |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 53rd district |
|
| In office 2003–2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Judy Myers (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Shane Cultra |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 87th district |
|
| In office 1993–2003 |
|
| Preceded by | Les Conkling |
| Succeeded by | Bill Mitchell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 26, 1955 Pontiac, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Illinois State University |
Dan Rutherford (born May 26, 1955) is an American politician. He served as the 73rd Treasurer of Illinois from 2011 to 2015. Before that, he was a State Senator for Illinois from 2003 to 2011. He also served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Dan Rutherford was born in Pontiac, Illinois. When he was a kid, he worked at his parents' pizza restaurant. He went to Pontiac Township High School. After high school, he studied at Illinois State University. While at the university, he was elected as the Student Body President.
Business Career Highlights
In 1984, Dan Rutherford learned about the ServiceMaster Company during a business trip to Japan. A year later, he joined the company, which was based in Downers Grove, Illinois. He became an executive there. Eventually, he helped the company grow its businesses around the world. He helped license their services in many countries. These included Chile, Brazil, Honduras, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Guam, Venezuela, South Africa, and Spain. ServiceMaster owned several well-known service companies. Some of these were Terminix, Tru-Green Chem Lawn, and Merry Maids.
Political Journey
Starting in Politics
In 1978, Dan Rutherford worked for State Representative Thomas W. Ewing. Later, in 1980, he helped with Ronald Reagan's campaign for president in Illinois. He became the statewide director for the campaign. After a short time working for Governor James R. Thompson, Rutherford managed a campaign for Tyrone C. Fahner. Fahner was trying to become the Illinois Attorney General. After that, Rutherford returned to Governor Thompson's team. He managed the International Business Division for the state's Department of Commerce.
In 1991, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Robert Mosbacher, chose Rutherford for a special committee. This committee looked at American trade deals.
Serving in the Illinois General Assembly
In 1992, Rutherford won the Republican primary election against Les Conkling. He then won a close general election. He later became an Assistant Republican Leader.
In 2002, Rutherford won the Republican nomination for a new district, the 53rd. In the Illinois Senate, he was a top Republican member on the Financial Institutions Committee. He also served on the Environment & Energy Committee. He was part of a special committee that reviewed state rules.
As a lawmaker, Rutherford helped create a new system for paying nursing homes. This new system paid nursing homes based on how much medical care residents needed. It was not just based on where the nursing home was located.
Running for Office
2008 Presidential Campaign
During the 2008 presidential primaries, Rutherford led Mitt Romney's campaign in Illinois. He was also chosen as a delegate for Romney.
2006 Secretary of State Campaign
On September 12, 2005, Rutherford announced he would run for Illinois Secretary of State. He ran against the current Secretary, Jesse White, and Green Party candidate Karen Young Peterson. Rutherford lost this election to Jesse White.
2010 Illinois Treasurer Campaign
Rutherford won the election for Illinois Treasurer in 2010. He ran against Robin Kelly, Scott K. Summers, and James Pauly. He became the Treasurer of Illinois.
2014 Governor Campaign
On June 2, 2013, Rutherford announced he was running for Governor of Illinois. His running mate was Steve Kim. Rutherford lost in the Republican primary election. He came in fourth place, and Bruce Rauner won the primary.
About Dan Rutherford
Dan Rutherford has never been married. He enjoys sailing and has been part of many Chicago-to-Mackinac Island races. He is also an Advanced Certified Diver. He has traveled to all seven continents of the world.
Election Results
- 2010 election for Treasurer of Illinois
- Dan Rutherford (Republican), 49.9%
- Robin Kelly (Democrat), 45.1%
- Scott Summers (Green), 3.2%
- James Pauly (Libertarian), 1.9%
- 2006 election for Secretary of State of Illinois
- Jesse White (Democrat) (incumbent), 62%
- Dan Rutherford (Republican), 34%
