New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his support Tuesday for Democrat Bill Daley in the 2014 Illinois gubernatorial race, citing Daley's stance on the billionaire's signature issue of gun control.
Bloomberg revealed the endorsement in a 90-second video ad.
Story continues below video.
"Why is the New York mayor talking to you about the next governor of Illinois? Because I feel strongly that Bill Daley is uniquely qualified to lead Illinois in these challenging times," Bloomberg says.
"I know him as a strong leader, who tells it like it is and gets things done. He'll be a tireless leader for honest budgets, better schools, and an improved job climate for every part of Illinois."
Bloomberg lauds Daley's background as President Barack Obama's chief of staff, President Bill Clinton's Commerce secretary, and the son and brother of two Chicago mayors.
But he makes it clear it is Daley's stance on gun control that is the deciding issue. "As someone who is proud to have helped lead the fight against illegal guns, I can tell you Bill Daley will be a governor who will fight for common-sense gun safety laws, background checks for all gun purchases, a ban on high capacity ammo magazines, respecting the rights of local communities to decide what gun laws work for them," the New York mayor says.
Bloomberg has pledged to spend millions from his personal fortune to get pro-control candidates elected. He has already been successful in Chicago, where he forced state Sen. Toi Henderson out of the Democratic primary for a House
seat to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. The seat was eventually won by Robin Kelly, Bloomberg's preferred candidate.
Daley will face incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary. Perhaps feeling the heat on gun control, Quinn planned to toughen concealed-gun-carrying legislation in the state, the
Chicago Tribune reports.
© 2023 Newsmax. All rights reserved.