Lisa Madigan Not Running For Governor, Will Seek AG Re-Election

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 15, 2013 10:30PM

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan just turned next year's race for governor into a free-for-all. Madigan announced Monday afternoon that she would not embark on a gubernatorial run and would instead seek re-election as Attorney General.

In a statement released to media, Madigan said ongoing questions about conflicts of interest involving her father, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, should she become governor was the reason she'll seek a fourth term as the state's top attorney.

“For the last several months, I have considered the best way to continue serving the people of Illinois. Deciding whether to seek reelection or to run for Governor has not been easy. I love my job as Attorney General and continue to be excited about the important work we are doing and what we can do for people and families in the years ahead. I considered running for Governor because of the need for effective management from that office and the frustration so many of us feel about the current lack of progress on critical issues facing Illinois.

"Ultimately, however, there has always been another consideration that impacts my decision. I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a Governor and Speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for Governor if that would be the case. With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for Governor."

Polls have indicated that Madigan, arguably the state's most popular politician, would be the odds-on favorite to win next year's governor's race if she decided to seek the office. Other polls showed her father, easily the state's most reviled lawmaker, would hurt her in a a gubernatorial campaign. Madigan has amassed a $3.6 million war chest as of April and met with well-heeled donors and rainmakers while exploring a run for the state's top office.

Madigan's decision leaves the Democratic gubernatorial primary in a two-man race between incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn and former Commerce Secretary and Obama chief of staff Bill Daley. Quinn's campaign now has renewed life with Madigan seeking re-election, even though Daley picked up an endorsement from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and with it, access to major campaign donors.