Brady Chooses Former Long Grove Mayor as Lt. Governor

Republican state Sen. Bill Brady is naming former Long Grove Mayor Maria Rodriguez as his gubernatorial running mate.

The Bloomington businessman and 2010 GOP nominee for governor made the formal announcement Tuesday at an event at the Union League Club in Chicago.

Rodriguez served two terms as mayor and lost in the 14th Congressional District Republican primary in 2010 to Joe Walsh. She has been involved in conservative watchdog group For the Good of Illinois, and in several Catholic women's groups. As mayor, she considered economic development one of her top accomplishments.

A conservative suburban female could boost Brady in collar counties that tend to vote independent.

Brady is the third of four primary candidates to have announced their lieutenant governor selections. Venture capitalist Bruce Rauner's pick is still outstanding.