Whitney for Governor in 2010

It appears that Rich Whitney, the Green Party's candidate for Illinois Governor in 2006, is preparing to announce a run for Illinois Governor in 2010. Whitney garnered more than 10% of the total vote in the previous election, making the Green Party one of only three statewide legally established political parties in the state.

Whitney recently posted the following message on his website, suggesting that the news will come as early as this weekend:

In recent months, many people have asked me whether I intend to run for governor again, usually adding, 'you should have won last time,' and encouraging me to run in 2010. I thank all of you for your kind and supportive comments.

It is painfully clear that Illinois needs a genuine change of leadership in Springfield, from a party that represents the people. Please watch this space on July 15-16, 2009, as a major announcement regarding my future plans will appear at that time. Meanwhile, I encourage supporters to also visit the website of the Illinois Green Party, at www.ilgp.org, and please JOIN our Party, and, if possible, come to our upcoming State Party meeting in Champaign, July 17-19.

Doug Finke, at the State Journal-Register, previously reported that Whitney will make the announcement today, on Wednesday, July 15.