Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias plans to announce on Monday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL).
Giannoulias, a wealthy 32-year old son of Greek immigrants, is said to be the favorite of the Democratic establishment--particularly Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)--mainly because of his impressive fundraising abilities. Giannoulias is also personally close with Durbin and President Obama, which can only help him.
They Democratic leader might also like the fact that he poured $3 million of his own money in his 2006 bid for treasurer. They can only expect that he would pour in a lot more for a Senate run.
However, as is customary with nearly every Illinois politician, Giannoulias has baggage. The Hill points out that he has ties to Rod Blagojevich, Tony Rezko, and the Mafia. Yikes.
Republicans also may point to the Illinois's $9 billion budget deficit if Giannoulias is the nominee--as he is running hard on the fiscal responsibility angle.
The young treasurer is likely to face opposition in the Democratic primary. Burris has not made it clear if he plans to run for the seat outright in 2010, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky has refused to rule out a run and would be a formidable candidate. Former Commerce Secretary William Daley has also expressed interest in running for the nomination, and would receive the support of the Chicago political machine because his brother just happens to be mayor of Chicago.
I would keep an eye on those three over the next few months, and see if Giannoulias scares any of them away.
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