Lagging in fundraising and union support to former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia Thursday picked up the largest endorsement to date in her run for Secretary of State: incumbent Jesse White.

From White’s announcement Thursday:

“The Democratic Party is fortunate to have three strong candidates running for office. However, I believe, one candidate stands out above the rest.

That’s why I am proud to announce my endorsement of Anna Valencia for Secretary of State.

I have known Anna for many years. I am impressed by her energy, commitment to public service and her dedication to getting the job done. As Chicago City Clerk, she has successfully modernized the office and made day-to-day customer service a number one priority. She has the ability and understanding to deliver important services to the public in a consistent, organized and effective manner.”

White, who is 87 (Valencia is 37) and has been Secretary of State since 1999, is one of the most popular Democratic politicians in the state.

Many Democrats believe Giannoulias, who lost a race for U.S. Senate in 2010, will have a difficult time winning the office in November given questions of ethics and electability. Some say a Republican like Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), who is a hard campaigner and appeals to the middle class, could prove difficult for Giannoulias. Valencia’s middle class background could play a solid foil to Giannoulias’ weaknesses.

We’ve asked both the Valencia and Giannoulias campaigns for comment.

UPDATE (11:38 A.M.):

From the Giannoulias campaign:

"We’re proud of the more than 200 endorsements Alexi’s campaign has received from elected officials, Democratic groups and organized labor – including SEIU, which has more than 2,500 employees in the Secretary of State’s office, the Cook County Democratic Party and Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association. Alexi’s broad-based, grassroots organization is a clear signal that his message of modernizing the office to reduce long lines and wait times, protect voter rights and increase opportunities to register and to reimagine libraries to increase access and equity is resonating with Illinois voters.” - Hanah Jubeh, campaign spokesperson.

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UPDATE (12:01 P.M.):

From Valencia supporter Sen. Dick Durbin:

“Secretary of State Jesse White's endorsement of Anna Valencia to be the first woman to hold this statewide office is a game changer. White not only has been our most effective Secretary of State, he is hands down the most popular Democratic statewide official in modern history.”

“I am happy to join him and my colleague Tammy Duckworth in supporting Anna's campaign to be our first woman Secretary of State.”

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UPDATE (2:15 P.M.):

Valencia:

“I am humbled and honored that Secretary White has endorsed me to carry on his legacy for the people of Illinois. He made history as our first Black Secretary of State, and I look forward to earning the votes of Illinoisans to make history as the first woman and first woman of color to hold the office. Secretary White is admired, respected and beloved in every corner of Illinois because he consistently shows up and delivers for all communities. I plan to build on his legacy by bringing my experience to the Secretary of State’s office to keep making government more accessible, innovative and open. I am grateful that Secretary White is putting his faith in me, and I will never stop fighting for working class families, women, communities of color and immigrants who need a champion in their elected leaders. I am ready to carry on the torch that Secretary White is passing on to me.”

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Patrick Pfingsten

@pfingsten1

patrick@theillinoize.com