First Round of Endorsements for Giannoulias

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias today released an initial list of over 60 elected officials who have pledged to support his bid for the U.S. Senate in 2010. Also, last week both his major opponents, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and the incumbent Senator Roland Burris announced they won’t seek the job in Washington. This makes the Greek-American very close to winning the Democratic nomination. Endorsements for Giannoulias include federal, state and locally elected officials from throughout the state.

“I’m honored that so many elected leaders from all corners of Illinois believe in our message and have pledged to support our agenda of putting our economy back on track and people back to work,” Giannoulias said. “It’s important that Democrats come together and put forth our best efforts so we can make good on President Obama’s promise of change.”

Giannoulias formed an exploratory committee in March. He plans to make a formal announcement regarding his intentions later this month.

The initial list of supporters includes:

U.S. Congressman Phil Hare
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster State

State Senate Majority Leader James Clayborne
State Senator Terry Link State
State Senator Deanna Demuzio
State Senator Gary Forby
State Senator Toi Hutchinson
State Senator Mike Jacobs
State Senator David Koehler
State Senator Iris Martinez
State Senator Kwame Raoul
State Senator Heather Steans
State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi

State Representative Joseph Lyons
State Representative Charles Jefferson
State Representative Frank Mautino
State Representative Luis Arroyo
State Representative Maria Antonia Berrios
State Representative James Brosnahan
State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia
State Representative Will Davis
State Representative Lisa Dugan
State Representative Robert Flider
State Representative Jack Franks
State Representative John Fritchey
State Representative Careen Gordon
State Representative Jay Hoffman
State Representative Kevin Joyce
State Representative Susana Mendoza
State Representative Harry Osterman
State Representative Brandon Phelps
State Representative Dan Reitz
State Representative Kathy Ryg
State Representative Pat Verschoore

Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool
Cook County Assessor James Houlihan
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin

Chicago Alderman George Cardenas
Chicago Alderman Rey Colon
Chicago Alderman Vi Dale
Chicago Alderman Bob Fiorett
Chicago Alderman Manny Flores
Chicago Alderman Richard Mell
Chicago Alderman Virginia Rugai
Chicago Alderman Gene Schulter
Chicago Alderman Mary Ann Smith
Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis

Richland County Chairman Randy Blackford
Vermilion County Chairman Don Dunavan
Franklin County Chairman Jim Eaton
Will County Chairman Tim Gaffney
Kane County Chairman Mark Guethle
Randolph County Chairman Doyle “Zig” Jones
Scott County Chairwoman Terri Lashmett
Christian County Chairman Jack Mazzotti
DuPage County Chairman Bob Peickert
McLean County Chairman John Penn
LaSalle County Chairman Rocky Raikes
Clay County Chairman Charles Sailer
Will County Executive Larry Walsh
Douglas County Chairman Mike Woods, Sr.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner
East Moline Mayor John Thodos
Country Club Hills Mayor Dwight Welch