Giannoulias aims for Senate seat

2010 RACE | Focus is on fund-raising to get early start

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, 32, opens his exploratory bid for senator hoping his close association with President Obama, generational appeal, record and early start lock him in as a front-runner in what today is a very undefined field.

Giannoulias, I am told, is running no matter the election scenario or other contenders.

Last week, William Daley, the former commerce secretary and Mayor Daley's brother, floated his name in order to head off Giannoulias in securing early endorsements. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) is also considering running for the Senate.

Though there are calls for a special election to force embattled Sen. Roland Burris from office, lawmakers may have second thoughts because of the cost. The regular primary and general election is in 2010 and nominating petitions are due later this year for the February primary.

Giannoulias is figuring the primary could cost $5 million and a general election at least $15 million.

After a series of interviews to discuss his bid -- there is no splashy kickoff -- Giannoulias will head to Florida to prospect for labor support at the annual AFL-CIO winter meeting in Miami. His initial campaign focus will be on fund-raising.

Giannoulias has the wealth to self-fund a portion of his campaign.

Giannoulias said the he expects to make up his mind in the next month or two. He said he wants to "take this time to travel the state, talk to folks and raise money."

Though he is very close to Obama, Giannoulias is not counting on the president to campaign for him.

"He's been like a mentor to me," he said. "He is a close friend."