Politics

Illinois state Sen. Kirk Dillard says he's preparing to make another run for Illinois governor.

The Hinsdale Republican's name has often been mentioned as a top candidate for the 2014 race. He narrowly lost the 2010 gubernatorial primary to Republican Sen. Bill Brady.

Dillard tells WIND-AM in Chicago that he's more committed to the race now and that he has a proven track record and statewide recognition from his work with previous Republican governors. He worked as chief of staff to former Gov. Jim Edgar and as legislative director for former Gov. Jim Thompson.

Missouri voters have narrowly defeated an effort to raise the state’s tobacco tax.

If Proposition B had passed, the tax on a pack of cigarettes would have gone from the lowest in the nation, at 17 cents, up to 90 cents.