Republican Governor Bruce Rauner has already said he plans to run for re-election in two years.
Democrats don’t have a single obvious candidate for governor. But there’s a lot of talk at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia about the possibilities.
Illinois Senator Kwame Raoul, a Democrat from Chicago, said at the party convention that ambitious politicians shouldn’t put the cart before the horse. Still, Raoul said he’d take the job.
“Certainly I wouldn’t run away from any job that would put me in a position to solve problems. I’m in such a position right now, however I’m one in 59, in my chamber, and one in 177 if you consider both chambers. So certainly being a chief executive puts you in a stronger position to solve, solver problems,” said Raoul.
Other prospects include Attorney General Lisa Madigan and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Both have brushed off the talk and say the focus should remain on the race for president.