State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) announced an exploratory committee for
the office of Illinois State Treasurer. The current State Treasurer, Alexi
Giannoulias, has also established an exploratory committee, but for the U.S.
Senate.

Rutherford is the ranking Republican on the Senate Financial Institutions
Committee. He has held this position since entering the Senate in 2003,
following a ten year stint in the Illinois House. He is also a private sector
business executive with the ServiceMaster Company.

"My real world business experience is, in part, why I am being encouraged by
Republicans, Democrats and Independents to become the State Treasurer of
Illinois," said the Senator.

Governor Mitt Romney recently campaigned in Illinois on behalf of Rutherford,
headlining a successful and energetic fundraiser in Chicago.

Serving as Co-Chairpersons of Rutherford's exploratory committee are Senate
Republican Leader Christine Radogno (Lemont), Senate Deputy Republican Leader
Dale Righter (Charleston), Assistant House Republican Leader JoAnn Osmond
(Antioch) and State Representative Rich Brauer (Petersburg).

"Dan is a private sector businessman with government experience. That is what we
really need now as the financial officer of our state," emphasized
Representative Osmond.

Senator Christine Radogno added, "Dan Rutherford's ethical standing is beyond
reproach. We need that more than ever in Illinois government."

Representative Rich Brauer noted, "Senator Rutherford is from a small town, has
worked in Chicago and knows Illinois like the back of his hand. I see him being
a Constitutional Officer for all of Illinois."

"The Illinois economy is struggling through tough times and it would be a huge
benefit for our State Treasurer to have real life business experience. Dan
Rutherford fits that bill," said Senator Dale Righter.

The Rutherford YouTube video announcing the exploratory committee is at: http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=BYoJvjJNHqY