About Kirk Dillard

About Kirk

Born in Chicago on June 1, 1955, Kirk Dillard grew up in Hinsdale where his father was a high school teacher and his mother served as a nurse at the local veterans’ hospital. Kirk remains in Hinsdale today with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughters Ava and Emma. Educated in local public schools,  Sen. Dillard was a honors graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb and DePaul Law School.

Kirk Dillard has had the rare experience to serve in all three branchs of state government. He was a Judge for the Illinois Court of Claims, Chief of Staff for Governor Jim Edgar, Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor James Thompson, and was elected a State Senator in 1994.

What others say about Kirk Dillard:

“Dillard has had a statewide resume for years.” – Daily Herald

Voted “Politician with the most integrity.” – West Suburban Living Magazine, Best of West issue.

“An enthusiastic endorsement goes to State Senator Kirk Dillard…He’s keenly aware of public concerns in DuPage County and is respected not only in the Governor’s office, but throughout state government.” – Chicago Tribune

“Dillard has a reputation for being able to get along with all types and factions.” – Chicago Sun-Times

“Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, is one of the most qualified individuals for the job of lawmaker.  Dillard is thoughtful and reasonable.” – Daily Herald

“Who’s Who in Chicago Business” – Crain’s Chicago Business

Kirk Dillard’s Plan

Major principles of Dillard’s Candidacy for Governor:

1. Strong, principled leadership to make Illinoisans proud of their state again.
2. Passing the Illinois Reform Commissions Sweeping Ethics and Campaign Finance Action Plan NOW,
3. Fiscal Policies that are dedicated to “The Taxpayer First” mentality,
4. Best-in-Class Educational Reforms and Leadership, and
5. Swiftly renewing and reforming Illinois’ Jobs Climate.

Why Kirk Dillard is Running for Governor

• No political party should have complete control over state government. The Illinois Democrats have had that control for the last 6+ years…how is that working out for everyone? And without a strong GOP candidate, Illinois could be facing four years of one family controlling all important government functions.
• Illinois needs a leader who can and will work in a bipartisan fashion. Party loyalties are important, but true leadership seeks common ground.
• Few can match Sen. Dillard’s ability to work with all factions of his own party. He has positive attributes that make him appealing to all.
• Kirk Dillard’s broad range of governmental experience makes him uniquely qualified for the job. He’s been part of two truly successful administrations (Thompson & Edgar), served as a judge on the Court of Claims, and been an accomplished lawmaker both in and out of the majority for years.
• While accomplished, his education and personal background suggest more of an everyman role: grew up in the suburbs during the most dynamic growth period this nation has ever experienced; went to college at a State university in the heartland of Illinois; went to law school at a Catholic institution, etc.

• Dillard doesn’t dodge the hard questions. Polling and focus groups show that the electorate is clamoring for a candidate who won’t duck the hard questions…who will—from Day One of his candidacy—give honest answers about his platform, including:
  • Fixing the state budget
  • Taxes
  • Health care
  • Boosting our economy
  • Education
  • Long-term budget woes (pensions)
• The Governor of Illinois is not an entry-level position. It would be a huge mistake for our party to attempt to promote a candidate who has had little or no experience in government.
• Despite the overstated forecasts concerning the demise of the GOP in DuPage County, it remains an extraordinarily strong base for Republicans and a leader among the collar counties…thereby providing a perfect geographic and ideological base of operations for his campaign.
• Kirk Dillard’s broad experience in the public and private sectors provides numerous contacts and relationships necessary to produce a dynamic coalition to promote his candidacy and encourage support in all areas necessary for success.
• Kirk Dillard is camera-ready and has enough charisma to make people want to listen to him. He has continually had good relationships with key members of the press and knows how to deliver a stump speech.
• Dillard’s wife, Stephanie, has an unmatched GOP pedigree.
• His legislative accomplishments shows the correct interests to span a generation of concerns, from get-tough-on-crime issues to the first true ethics & campaign finance reform package in a quarter century. And unlike others who talk about ethics reform, Dillard has walked-the-walk: he has never held a Springfield fundraiser.

  Among his legislative accomplishments:

  • Chief sponsor for the creation of the Illinois Century Network, linking vast information sources to schools, libraries, museums, and federal research labs via high-speed networks.
  • Chief sponsor of legislation that brought Boeing, Inc. to Illinois.
  • Chief sponsor of Illinois’ first major campaign finance and ethics reform package in a quarter century.
  • Chief sponsor of Illinois’ Truth-in-Sentencing law to make sure criminals serve full sentences.
  • Chief sponsor of the nation’s most effect gun-control law: 15-20-Life, which automatically increases jail time for a criminal using a gun.
  • Chief sponsor of mandatory DNA testing for all Illinois felons.
  • Chief sponsor of the Safe-to-Learn legislation to ensure our children’s safety when they are at school.

• Kirk Dillard was Chief of Staff in the last administration that lived within the State’s means (Edgar). His management of government operations ultimately led to Illinois’ best balance sheet in the state’s history.
• Dillard’s advocacy for higher education will reverse the politicization of recent administrations while it fosters new growth and acknowledgement for the system’s accomplishments.