Like life, politics can turn on a moment.That's an excerpt from a Matt Barnum piece in 2006.
Blair Hull will not be remembered by many; if anything, he will be a footnote in history. In 2004, Hull decided to seek the Democratic nomination for Illinois’s open Senate seat, vacated by Peter Fitzgerald. Hull, who funded himself with $28 million, had a significant lead early on. Then allegations surfaced that he had threatened to kill his wife during an argument, and that he was arrested for battery, although charges were never filed. Nevertheless, the damage to Hull’s campaign was done.
The chief beneficiary of Hull’s meltdown was a little-known state senator from Hyde Park. His name, of course, is Barack Obama.
I was talking to a colleague about Linda McMahon's senate campaign today, and he mentioned interviewing one of Hull's employees, who related this story to him. Had Hull won the primary in 2004, our current president would not be where he is.
Hill made his money in listed options, a business he would later sell to Goldman Sachs.
In the trading industry, Blair Hull is a legend. He pioneered electronic trading, was the first to bring hand held devices into the pit, and is recognized for buying the market at Black Monday's lowest point. He may be a footnote in the political realm, but he's very well respected in his field.
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