Cross Announces Bid For Illinois Treasurer

House Republican Leader Tom Cross says he's running for Illinois treasurer because the office has more opportunity than ever before in helping turn around Illinois' financial woes.

The Oswego lawmaker is leaving his leadership post to campaign. He launched a two-day tour Wednesday with stops planned in Chicago, Rockford and Moline.

Cross tells The Associated Press he knows the budget as well as any person and wants the treasurer's office to play a bigger role in making sure it's balanced. Treasurer Dan Rutherford is seeking the GOP nomination for governor.

A former prosecutor, Cross had considered attorney general. He changed course when Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan decided to seek re-election.

DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan is Cross' GOP opponent. Champaign state Sen. Mike Frerichs is seeking the Democratic nod.