Former Illinois Attorney General Now In Race For Governor
(Springfield) -- Jim Ryan says he's been through this all before.
But the former Illinois Attorney General says he still wants to run for Governor, knowing full well what is ahead of him.
Ryan is the latest Republican in the crowded field for Governor, saying he is the one to take back the seat of power from the Democrats who have controlled the state since Rod Blagojevich beat him back in 2002.
Ryan, like the other GOP candidates, is vowing not to raise taxes but to cut and control spending.
Ryan also says he's not afraid of what will be a tough campaign.
He's already having to answer questions about his former longtime friend Stewart Levine.
Ryan says the Levine he knew was beyond reproach.
Levine is one of the central figures in the case against former Governor Blagojevich and his crew of insiders.
Ryan says he hopes to raise enough money to stay in the race.
It's expected to be an expensive one, perhaps as much as five-million dollars for the February primary and maybe 30-million dollars before voters pick a winner next November.
Ryan made his announcement in Springfield on Tuesday, he says he'll head out on a statewide tour soon.
(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
RNS-11-04-09 0231CST