Oberman running for treasurer

Democrat Justin Oberman is running for Illinois treasurer instead of lieutenant governor.

Oberman told supporters in an e-mail Monday that the treasurer's job is the right fit for his agenda of bringing reform to Illinois and creating jobs.

The treasurer's job will be open because first-term incumbent Alexi Giannoulias is giving up the post and running for President Barack Obama's old seat in the U.S. Senate.

Oberman's entry into the treasurer's race sets up a Democratic primary contest with Robin Kelly. Kelly is Giannoulias' chief of staff and a former state representative.

Oberman is the son of former Chicago Alderman Marty Oberman.

Justin Oberman says he'll lay out his specific plans for the treasurer's office in the coming weeks.