The running mate's name has to be on the petition that a candidate for governor must circulate to qualify for the March primary. So, the lieutenant governor choice is one of the first big 2014 political decisions.
"Better days are ahead for our great state if you elect a Dillard-Tracy ticket," said Sen. Kirk Dillard, Republican candidate for governor.
DuPage County State Senator Kirk Dillard, still smarting from his narrow loss in the 2010 Republican primary, hopes Quincy State Rep. Jil Tracy will improve his showing in rural areas and small towns.
"Senator Dillard is the one candidate who really gets it and he can strongly lead this state," said State Rep. Jil Tracy, Republican lieutenant governor candidate.
Meanwhile, Dillard opponent State Treasurer Dan Rutherford chose attorney Steven Kim for a running mate.
"I've been very close to the Treasurer for many years. He's been a political mentor of mine," said Steven Kim, Republican lieutenant governor candidate.
Kim, who specializes in international business law, ran for attorney general in 2010. He hopes his candidacy helps expand the Republican party.
"Of course, I'd like to seek the support and the vote of the Asian-American voters," said Kim.
In 2014, for the first time, candidates for Illinois governor and lieutenant governor must run together in their respective party primaries. Governor Pat Quinn, a former lieutenant governor, has yet to choose a running mate. Neither has his democratic primary opponent, former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley.
"To be lieutenant governor, I want somebody who's a star," said Bruce Rauner, Republican candidate for governor.
Republican Bruce Rauner, who began a petition drive to set term limits for Illinois elected officials, says he'll wait a few more weeks to name a running mate.
"We're gonna have a good conservative person who's pro-job creation, pro-education reform pro value for the taxpayers and pro-term limits," said Rauner.
Finally, state senator Bill Brady of Bloomington, who won the republican primary in 2010, has not named his running mate. Four years ago, Brady did not run well among Chicago area republicans and could look for a running mate from the city or suburbs
Finally, State Senator Bill Brady of Bloomington, who won the 2010 Republican primary, has not named a running mate.
Four years ago, Brady did not run well in the city and Chicago suburbs. Perhaps he'll look north in 2014 to shore up his political soft spot.
