Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says it won't be easy for a Republican to be elected governor.
But he believes he has the best shot because he's already won a statewide election.
The 58-year-old Rutherford officially announced Sunday that he's running for the GOP nomination in the 2014 governor's race.
He says he wants to eliminate the state's ``massive debt,'' fund its liabilities and help create jobs.
Rutherford plans a three-day statewide tour to spread his message with stops in Chicago, Springfield, Pontiac, Rockford and Kankakee.
He'll likely face a crowded field of GOP contenders. State Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard, and venture capitalist Bruce Rauner also have expressed interest.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has said he'll seek re-election, but could face challenges from within his own party.
