Ill. treasurer exploring run for U.S. Senate

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias announced Monday he would be launching a committee for U.S. Senate bid in 2010.

With less than a year before the 2010 primary election, the 32-year-old treasurer is filing the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form the committee, which will allow him to raise money for a possible Senate run in Illinois. Giannoulias, a Chicago Democrat, is in his first term as treasurer, having been elected in 2006.

This announcement comes just 10 days after Giannoulias called for Sen. Roland Burris to resign. Giannoulias stated at the time that Illinois was being "ill-served by kingmaker politics."

"Working families in Illinois and throughout the nation are facing serious financial challenges during this economic downturn," Giannoulias said. "They are hungry for new leadership and solutions."

The Senate seat was held previously by Giannoulias' mentor and friend, Barack Obama, who stepped down after winning the presidency last November.

Giannoulias' spokesman Scott Burnham said Giannoulias was interested in the seat when it became vacant and began to look at it more closely following the arrest of Rod Blagojevich in December.

"More than ever, we need a senator who can deliver on the change that President Obama has promised our nation," said Giannoulias.

Giannoulias said he is making the restoration of the public's trust and confidence in government along with reviving the economy his key priorities.

Giannoulias expressed interest last November in running for governor in 2010, but his spokesman said he currently focused on the Senate race and no longer pursuing the state's highest office.