House GOP Leader Cross Stepping Down To Run For Treasurer

CHICAGO (AP) -- House Minority Leader Tom Cross is stepping down from his 10-year leadership post to make a run for Illinois treasurer.

The representative from Oswego is informing House Republicans of his future plans Wednesday morning in a call.

Cross' political director Kevin Artl tells The Associated Press that Cross' official campaign announcement will come in the following weeks. Republican State Sen. Darin LaHood confirms Cross has informed him of his plans for a treasurer bid.

Cross is instructing Republicans to outline a succession plan. A number of Republicans who've questioned Cross' leadership in the wake of tough Election Day losses have already been jockeying for it.

The race will be wide open as Treasurer Dan Rutherford is running for governor. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Mike Frerichs is in.

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