These eventually will be two long lists

Add comment March 2nd, 2009

State Sen Bill Brady, a Republican from Bloomington, announced that he will run for governor. State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat, announced he has formed an exploratory committee and is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat that Roland Burris has right now.

There will be plenty more candidates for both jobs. Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley is considering a run for governor as a Republican as is DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett. I’m sure there will be more. You can’t rule out Jim Oberweis  making another run or Internet journalist Andy Martin from giving it a go.

Giannoulias could face a lot of competition also. He’s aligned with President Barack Obama, who he considers a mentor. The Mike Madigan faction of the Democratic Party is sure to have a candidate and Burris has already set up a re-election Web site. Comptroller Dan Hynes ran for Senate six years ago, so he might want to take another shot.

This summer should be quiet, but expect a campaign blitz starting around Labor Day.

Giannoulias will be here Wednesday to talk to the editorial board about pension reform and other issues.