SPRINGFIELD - Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna, running as an "outsider" for governor, was endorsed Thursday by the Republican leader of the Illinois House.

Tom Cross, a Republican from Oswego who heads the political minority in the state House, said the state has been in "free fall" under Democratic control and McKenna's "calm and steady strength" is needed in the governor's office.

"I am pleased to be endorsing and supporting him," said Cross, the House GOP leader since 2003. He also backed McKenna's unofficial running mate, lieutenant governor candidate Matt Murphy, a Republican state senator from Palatine.

Cross clarified that the endorsement of McKenna, a Chicago Republican, is personal and not on behalf of all House Republicans. There are seven Republicans seeking the nomination for governor.

Asked why someone running as an "outsider" would accept an endorsement from a Springfield political leader, McKenna said Cross and the Republicans have been shutout by the controlling Democrats for too long. "I think Tom's voice has not been heard," McKenna said.

The Illinois primary election is Feb. 2.