My phone was ringing off the hook last night and my inbox was flooded – a bunch of the calls were from the media (see the links below to the press buzz on my announcement yesterday). But the vast majority were from people I hadn’t heard from in years – young people who see this state going down the tubes and who have become distrustful of the political process and its ability to make any change, friends who are police officers and teachers wanting to hear more about my plans for pension reform and to share with me their good ideas, people I’ve never met who called to congratulate me on the announcement and thank me for stepping up to try to repair our broken state. I’m new to the Facebook and Twitter world, but my young supporters tell me there is a buzz. People are excited. And so am I.

As I’ve said before, this will be a David and Goliath story if there ever was one – and I’m going to need a lot of help. I don’t have nearly the money raised that my opponents have. Nor do I have the signatures I need to get on the ballot. If you are willing to join me to try to turn this state around, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or sign up on my website. I’ll need an army of volunteers THIS WEEKEND to help get the signatures I need to get on the ballot. We’ll be downtown celebrating the Chicago marathon and working hard. Hoping to see you there!

WGN - Oak Park lawyer announces bid for Governor

Quinn, Hynes have new foe in little-known Oak Park attorney

Danny Yadron Oct 08, 2009

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=141631

Ed Scanlan wants to freeze income taxes, eventually eliminate state pensions and, overall, run Illinois as if it were a struggling private company.

 

Edmund Scanlan to run for governor as Democrat

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it October 8, 2009

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1814402,scanlon-democrat-governor-primary-100909.article

Personal injury lawyer Edmund Scanlan announced Thursday he is entering the Democratic primary election for governor against Gov. Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Scanlan’s main issue: the state’s growing pension problem.

“The Democratic Party is not addressing the issue of the day: our rising underfunded pension liabilities,” he said.

 

Political newcomer Scanlan starts Democratic governor campaign

Rick Pearson October 8, 2009

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/10/political-newcomer-scanlan-starts-democratic-governor-campaign.html

Oak Park trial attorney Edmund Scanlan launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor today, saying his rivals in the Feb. 2 primary won’t move the state forward on needed economic and ethical reforms and pledging his opposition to higher income taxes.

 

Political Newcomer Wants to Be Your Governor

Oak Park trial lawyer Ed Scanlan positions himself as a "different kind of Democrat"

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/illinois-governor-ed-scanlan-oak-park-attorney-63805027.html

And then there were three.

Touting himself as "a different kind of Democrat," Oak Park trial lawyer Ed Scanlan on Thursday morning jumped into the fray for Illinois next governor.

The 59-year-old made the announcement at the Marriott Hotel on Michigan Avenue.

In a welcome video posted on his campaign Web site, scanlan admits to being a political newcomer, but cites the arrest and impeachment of formerGov. Rod Blagojevich for sparking his interest.

"I'm running for governor because I think it's time our state begins working for us," Scanlan said.

 

Oak Park man announces bid for governor

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it October 8, 2009

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/oakpark/news/1814604,oak-park-Scanlan-101509-s1.article

Longtime Oak Park resident Ed Scanlan has become the latest Democrat to enter the race for governor in the February primary.

The 60-year-old trial lawyer said he's running because "I have become infuriated by how dysfunctional our system has become. In fact, I have become embarrassed."

Scanlan made the announcement during a news conference today.

"As Albert Einstein said: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results," said Scanlan on his Web site, noting that his opponents, Gov. Patrick Quinn and State Comptroller Dan Hynes "are supported by the same interests that have brought us to this point" by "kicking the state's problems down the road."

 

Oak Park attorney joins Democrat race for governor

By Joseph Ryan October 8, 2009

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=327529&src=109

An Oak Park trial lawyer says he will take on Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes in the Democratic primary for the state's top post.

Ed Scanlan, 59, announced his campaign for governor Thursday in Chicago, his first foray into politics.

Scanlan criticized his opponents' positions on taxes while saying he would eliminate all public employee pensions for new hires, replacing the retirement system with 401k plans.

"We are in a very, very grave financial crisis," Scanlan said. "I would only hope that the Democrats were a bit more proactive."

 

Another Candidate for Illinois Governor

http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=102009&newsid=171

The crowded field of candidates for governor got more crowded Thursday.

Into the race on the Democratic side is Ed Scanlan, a lawyer from Oak Park who has never run for office before. He says he will have a natural constituency of people around the state who "are really fed up. They've just simply had it," he said.

Scanlan is up against Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes in the Democratic primary for governor. He says they won't change anything.

 

Oak Park Lawyer Running for Governor

Edmund Scanlan will be among Quinn's challengers for Illinois' Democratic Gubernatorial Nomination

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-scanlanforgovernor-oct09,0,541770.story

CHICAGO - Edmund Scanlan says he is running for Governor. Scanlan has been practicing for 32 years but has never held elected office before. He says he's jumping into the race because he's been embarrassed by state politics. Scanlan says if he's elected, the people of Illinois will reclaim their seat at the political decision-making table. "I'm hoping the people in this state support somebody who is coming from the outside, with an independent view of what's best, not only for ourselves currently, but I think the bigger responsibility is looking towards the future," said Scanlan. Along with Scanlan and Governor Quinn, State Comptroller Dan Hynes has also announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination.