He has served a large portion of Central Illinois in both the Illinois House and Senate and was the 2010 Republican nominee for Governor, winning 98 of the state's 102 counties.

HOMETOWN CALLING

If things had worked out differently, Bill Brady might have had “attorney-at-law” after his name. But in 1983 – shortly after he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University – the family business was struggling through the recession.

So Bill put his law school plans on hold (permanently, it turned out) and stayed in his hometown of Bloomington.

HIS FIRST BUSINESS- A PLACE FOR GROWTH

Born on May 15, 1961, Bill Brady grew up in Bloomington, Illinois. He played lineman at Central Catholic High School and, after a struggling start as a freshman, became a champion wrestler.

In college, Bill quickly showed his passion and creativity for job-creating businesses. He first renovated a duplex with his own hands. Then he got his two brothers together – Ed and Bob – and opened up a Christmas tree farm. As Bill recalls, he and his family and friends spent long hours planting trees, chopping and getting the word out. People came from around the area to pick out their own spruce or pine for the holidays, and Bill learned what it meant to provide opportunity for others.

TAKING ON THE FAMILY BUSINESS

After college, with the recession hitting the area hard, Bill again joined his brothers with their father, and together they rebuilt the family company into one of Central Illinois’ largest home construction firms – and one of the biggest family-owned home providers in the state.

Anticipating the economic downturn, the Brady family began retooling their company in 2006. At its height, Brady Homes employed 34 employees. But facing the new economic reality, the company and staff has been downsized and retooled through tough and painful, but necessary, decisions. In addition to the home construction business, Brady and his family own a real estate agency and have other financial interests throughout Central Illinois.

MEET THE BRADY FAMILY

Bill and Nancy have raised three children they are very proud of-

Katie, a pediatric heart nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Will, a recent law school graduate.

Duncan, a college freshman.

Learn more about Nancy Brady

THE BILL BRADY RECORD- CLEAN BREAK, COMMON GROUND

Bill has spent his life providing for his family – and those who depend on his family business. In addition, he has served as a State Representative and State Senator to help people throughout central Illinois. As a lawmaker, he has always stood for the principles that he built his life on. Bill has worked with Democrats, Independents and Republicans — reaching across party lines to work with those who promote the best interests of Illinois. Bill Brady has pushed for-

Protection of pharmaceutical benefits for senior citizens

Rewriting of the state's banking and insurance laws.

Bipartisan pension reforms that stabilize the system for current public employees while making changes for future hires to reduce costs.

Protecting children from sexual predators.

Expansion of property tax breaks for disabled veterans.

Bill has also sponsored and supported plans to limit campaign contributions, allow voters to recall public officials, and to bar state contractors from donating to campaigns. He also was one of the earliest and strongest voices in the effort to clean up the corruption at the former Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.

THE BILL BRADY VISION- A CLEAN BREAK AND JOBS FOR ILLINOIS

Bill Brady has a few simple principles for every citizen in every part of Illinois -- a responsive and responsible government that respects the taxpayer, helps create jobs and gives citizens a greater voice in their government.

Fair representation. Taking the job of redrawing legislative district boundaries away from politicians and giving it to an independent body.

Building a jobs-creating environment. Real lawsuit abuse reform, overhauling the state's workers compensation system to protect injured workers and reduce costs to government, job creation tax credits and elimination of excessive, job-killing taxes and fees on business.

Living within our means. Restoring fiscal discipline and balancing the budget without raising taxes on Illinois families or borrowing against future generations for today's bills.

School reform. Giving parents a greater voice in their children's education.