Gill Appointed to Ill. Dept. Public Health, Rules Out 2014 Run

A four-time Democratic candidate for Congress says he isn’t challenging Republican Congressman Rodney Davis in next year’s 13th district race.

Doctor David Gill of Bloomington has been appointed by Gov. Pat Quinn as the assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Gill said he wants to focus his energy on his new role with the department, but he isn’t ruling out another political run.

“I’ve been trying to make up my mind frankly with whether or not I want to do this or take another shot at Rodney Davis, and ultimately I felt like perhaps I could perhaps do more for people from this position for the time being,” Gill said.

With the rollout of the federal healthcare law, Gill said he wants it to be easier for people in the state to find a primary care provider, and prepare doctors for more patient visits.

Gill will be making $128,000 a year with the Department of Public Health, but he plans to continue practicing medicine.

His appointment needs to be approved by the Illinois Senate.