Rutherford may set sights on run for state treasurer
Kurt Erickson Column..........The Pantagraph
With Democrat Alexi Giannoulias looking like a sure bet to run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, at least one Republican has surfaced as a possible candidate to replace him in the state treasurer’s office.
State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, is expected to announce his statewide plans in the coming weeks. He earlier hinted at a 2010 run for governor after running unsuccessfully for Illinois secretary of state in 2006.
But, an open shot in the treasurer’s office is pretty enticing.
No matter what Rutherford decides, he’s already out raising money.
On March 31, Mitt Romney returns to Illinois for a fundraiser in Chicago on behalf of Rutherford’s pending statewide campaign.
Rutherford was Illinois chairman of Romney’s unsuccessful presidential bid. The two were last together for dinner at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota.
Romney’s public and private appearances around the country are fueling speculation of his interest in another presidential bid. In addition to his reception for Rutherford, the former Massachusetts governor will hold a luncheon fundraiser in Chicago for his Free and Strong America PAC, which he created after withdrawing from the GOP Presidential race last year.
