He asked his supporters to back him for a possible race for governor in 2014 on his website and social media pages Sunday.
"Now is the time for leaders to act with conviction and courage," he wrote on his site. "Through wise stewardship, we can eliminate our massive debt, fund our liabilities, build an environment that job-creators are seeking and provide financial security for taxpayers. Illinois is indeed broke-but our great state is not beyond repair."
Rutherford said the support he gets will help him evaluate whether or not to run.
If there is a formal announcement, it is likely to come in late January 2013, he said.
