Dan Rutherford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dan Rutherford
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Rutherford in 2009
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| 73rd Treasurer of Illinois | |
| In office January 10, 2011 – January 12, 2015 |
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| Governor | Pat Quinn |
| Preceded by | Alexi Giannoulias |
| Succeeded by | Mike Frerichs |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 53rd district |
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| In office 2003–2011 |
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| Preceded by | Judy Myers (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Shane Cultra |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 87th district |
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| In office 1993–2003 |
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| 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.
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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
In 1984, Dan Rutherford went on a business trip to Japan. There, he learned about the ServiceMaster Company. A year later, he joined this company as an executive. ServiceMaster is a group of companies that offer different services.
Dan Rutherford eventually helped the company grow around the world. He helped them offer their services in many countries. These included Chile, Brazil, Honduras, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Guam, Venezuela, South Africa, and Spain.
Political Career
Starting in Politics
In 1978, Dan Rutherford worked for State Representative Thomas W. Ewing. This was his first step into politics.
Later, in 1980, he helped with the presidential campaign for Ronald Reagan. He managed the campaign in one area of Illinois. He then became the statewide director for Reagan's campaign in Illinois.
After working for Governor James R. Thompson for a short time, 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 Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. This role involved helping Illinois businesses work with other countries.
In 1991, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Robert Mosbacher, asked Rutherford to join a special committee. This committee looked at trade deals for America.
Serving in the Illinois General Assembly
In 1992, Dan Rutherford won an election to become a State Representative. He defeated the person who held the seat before him, E. Leslie Conkling. He later became an Assistant Republican Leader in the House.
In 2002, Rutherford won another election to become a State Senator. He represented the 53rd district. In the Senate, he was a top Republican on the Financial Institutions Committee. He also served on the Environment & Energy Committee. He was part of a special committee that included members from both political parties.
As a lawmaker, Rutherford helped create a new system for nursing homes. This new system changed how nursing homes were paid for caring for older people. The payments now depend on the medical needs of the person, not just where they live in the state.
Political Campaigns
Supporting Mitt Romney in 2008
During the 2008 presidential election, Dan Rutherford led Mitt Romney's campaign in Illinois. He also helped Romney by being on his list of delegates for one of Illinois's congressional districts.
Running for Secretary of State in 2006
On September 12, 2005, Dan Rutherford announced he would run for Secretary of State in Illinois. He ran against the person who held the job, Jesse White. He also ran against Karen Young Peterson. Rutherford lost this election to Jesse White.
Running for Illinois Treasurer in 2010
Dan Rutherford won the election for Illinois Treasurer in 2010. This was an open seat, meaning no one was already holding the job. He ran against Robin Kelly, Scott K. Summers, and James Pauly.
Running for Governor in 2014
On June 2, 2013, Dan Rutherford announced he was running for Governor of Illinois. His running mate, who would be Lieutenant Governor, was Steve Kim.
Rutherford did not win the Republican primary election for Governor. He lost to Bruce Rauner.
Personal Life
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 around 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%
