SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline) -- Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross said he no longer is considering a run for state attorney general.
Cross, who has served in the state House of Representatives since 1993, told The State Journal-Register Thursday that he made his decision after current Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced her own decision to seek a fourth term and forego a run for governor.
"For the last several months, I have considered the best way to continue serving the people of Illinois. Deciding whether to seek reelection or to run for governor has not been easy," she said Monday. "I love my job as attorney general and continue to be excited about the important work we are doing and what we can do for people and families in the years ahead.
"I considered running for governor 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."
Madigan also said the fact her father, House Speaker Michael Madigan, planned to remain in office impacted her decision.
She said the state would not be "well served" by having a governor and House speaker from the same family.
Cross told the newspaper that Madigan's decision changed the "dynamic" of the race.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.