Lisa Madigan Already Running for Governor

By Prescott Carlson in News on Mar 16, 2009 6:40PM

Even before Gov. Pat Quinn releases details on his proposed income tax hike which he calls "the least bad option," Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has already taken a jab at a tax increase, which folks are saying is the "opening shot" in her bid for the governor's office next year:

Madigan also touched on the state budget deficit, which Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has estimated at approximately $12 billion... "I think this economy makes it almost impossible to place an income tax increase on people," [Madigan] said.

We would argue Madigan's campaign started a couple weeks ago when she began pushing for greater access to public records -- the cynic in us thinks that move is less about FOIA and more about being seen as the "transparent candidate." Of course none of this comes as a surprise, as Madigan herself has said she's considering a run for the state's top spot. Still have doubts she's planting seeds? Then maybe you can explain why she's suddenly so concerned about how the state buys its road salt:

"We have talked to many individuals representing towns and villages, state officials and road-salt suppliers in an effort to fully understand why many of our municipalities here in Illinois have suffered through this winter without road salt to protect those traveling our streets - or with broken budgets unprepared to handle the added expense," Madigan said. "What we have learned is that procedural improvements to the procurement process are absolutely necessary."

When asked in a recent interview if she had decided whether or not to run for governor, Madigan replied, "Wow, I’m trying to get my bills passed. No, I have not."