CHICAGO - Lisa Madigan, the attorney general of Illinois and the daughter of the longtime speaker of the state House, will not run for governor next year, ending months of speculation that she would.
Ms. Madigan, 46, will instead seek a fourth term as attorney general. Her decision will help narrow the Democratic field in the governor's race for William M. Daley, a former chief of staff to President Obama who is expected to oppose Gov. Pat Quinn in a primary.
In announcing her decision late Monday, Ms. Madigan cited her family connections, which benefited her early in her political career, as a reason not to run for governor in 2014. Her father, Michael J. Madigan, is still the speaker of the Illinois House and is one of the most powerful politicians in the state.
“I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a governor and speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for governor if that would be the case,†Ms. Madigan said. “With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for governor.â€
An unusual number of candidates from both parties have shown interest in running for governor here in 2014. The state is struggling to solve a looming pension crisis, and there is a sense on the part of some critics - including, on Monday, Ms. Madigan - that it needs new leadership to get anything accomplished.
“I considered running for governor,†Ms. Madigan said, “because of the need for effective management from that office and the frustration so many of us feel about the current lack of progress on critical issues facing Illinois.â€
Mr. Quinn, a former lieutenant governor, was elevated to governor in 2008 after Rod R. Blagojevich was indicted on corruption charges. Mr. Quinn then won a close election on his own in 2010.
