She would be an opposition researchers dream.  Statements like this to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, the strings that have been pulled on her behalf by some powerful folks in the state of Illinois during her political career, would make this a very expensive, interesting race.  From the Washington Post:

If she runs, she would drastically shake up the current Democratic field. State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is widely seen as the current frontrunner but would likely struggle to keep his support from the party establishment in the face of a Madigan candidacy. (Madigan’s father, Mike, is the powerful speaker of the Illinois state House.)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky is also seriously considering the race but almost certainly wouldn’t challenge Madigan in a primary. Chris Kennedy, the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the president of Merchandise Mart, is has conducted a poll to test a possible candidacy.. Appointed Sen. Roland Burris has yet to make any announcement about his future political plans but is widely regarded as superfluous to the conversation as he was badly damaged from his ties to Blagojevich and his decision to to raise money for a re-election bid in the first three months of the year.

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