Will Name Hurt Bill Daley In Potential Run For Governor?

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As Bill Daley considers a run for governor, does the Daley name still carry its same old clout? CBS 2's Derrick Blakley talked to some insiders to find out.

He's a member of Chicago's most powerful political dynasty but in a quest for governor, Bill Daley's very name is a double-edged sword.

When asked if the Daley name will have a negative effect, public affairs strategist Thom Serafin said, "You'd have a hard time running statewide, getting votes out of downstate."

Still, for Democrats, downstate matters less than Chicago and Cook County.

That's where Bill Daley confronts his brother's legacy, the mayor who left the city broke with that parking meter deal still hated and scorned.

"I think in the Chicago area, the Daley name is still a great asset, with all the bumps and bruises along the way," said political strategist David Axelrod.

Few are closer to Daleys than David Axelrod, who advised Mayor Daley, before moving to White House with President Obama. CBS 2's Derrick Blakley spoke with Axelrod in his lunchtime office, Manny's Restaurant.

"My sense of Bill, talking to him, is he's genuinely concerned about the state, feels there needs to be a change of direction, and he really wants to commit himself and his life to this," said Axelrod.

But both Axelrod, and veteran strategist Thom Serafin agree, what Bill Daley doesn't want to do is take on both Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

"This was a statement of seriousness on his part, but it's also an attempt to force the attorney general to make a decision to clarify the race," said Axelrod.

Bill Daley's hired Pete Giancreco as his political strategist and he's started talking to donors, but he's already known as the "chicken little" of Illinois politics since he's flirted with running before and not followed through. This time, he'll have to convince skeptical donors, he means it.