
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Libertarian Party of Illinois is running a candidate for secretary of state to replace Jesse White, the veteran Democrat who is retiring after serving six terms in office.
This Libertarian Party candidate’s name sounds very familiar: Jesse White.
This newcomer named White is from downstate Illinois and has never held elected office, The Springfield State Journal Register reports. And Libertarian Party leaders insist there is no attempt to trick voters in putting forth a candidate with that name.
“Total coincidence,” Steve Suess, chair of the Libertarian Party of Illinois, told the paper.

“When people see that we’re running a candidate named Jesse White, we’re gonna get accusations that we’re trying to defraud voters,” he added. “But Jesse is a serious candidate.”
Incumbent Secretary of State Jesse White may enjoy the greatest name recognition among Illinois constitutional officers. His name is on Illinois driver’s licenses, to begin with.
Several Democrats have thrown their hat into the ring to run for the party’s nomination. The secretary of state’s position has been used by some office holders as a springboard to the governor’s office.