Rep. Murphy to run for lieutenant governor

State Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican, says he will run for lieutenant governor and back the governor's bid of former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna.

The two expect to campaign together as unofficial running mates. Murphy previously floated his name in the GOP governor's race and ran related TV ads downstate. Nominating petitions to be on the ballot for the February primary are due in November.

Other Republicans who have declared a candidacy for lieutenant governor include Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole, Hamilton chaplain Randy White, Orland Park school board president Dennis Cook, Chicago activist Deb Leticia Gordils, Edwardsville lumber yard vice president Jason Plummer and Springfield lawyer Don Tracy.