After three years as State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias is running for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by Roland Burris.
The 33-year-old Boston University graduate's 2006 campaign for treasurer was extremely successful, drawing $5.4 million (half of which came from personal or family contributions) and winning more than 1.8 million votes. Giannoulias filed 17,000 signatures for his Senate race.
Giannoulias remains a White House favorite, too. He met with Obama's senior adviser David Axelrod in October, most likely concerning how to keep the senate seat out of Republican hands. Even though the primary race, which pits him against former city Inspector General David Hoffman, doesn't seem to represent a real challenge, Giannoulias will likely have to battle Rep. Mark Kirk, the Republican hopeful, in the open election.
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Giannoulias and Kirk Hold Big Primary Leads
Giannoulias Announces Run for Senate
Alexi Gives Clout Kid an Assist
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Giannoulias Threatens Wells Fargo Over Hartmarx Credit
Illinois Bright Start College Savings Program Lost $85 Million on Giannoulias' Watch
