SPRINGFIELD - A possible third-party contender for governor could announce his slate of candidates as early as next week.

State Sen. James Meeks, an independent from Chicago, is considering a bid for governor because he wants to see the state dedicate more money to education and programs for the poor.

Meeks, pastor of a massive, predominately black church on Chicago's south side, said he hopes to begin circulating petitions for his run next week.

Under state election law, he must collect the signatures of 25,000 registered voters and run with a slate of lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer and comptroller.

On Friday, he wouldn't divulge who else may join him in his long-shot quest.

"It would be unfair to any individual to start giving names and saying who will be this and that," said Meeks.

Meeks, 49, began exploring a possible independent bid for governor in early March after Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced he still opposes any tax increases.

Meeks, who generally votes Democratic, is a supporter of a plan to raise income taxes as a way to boost funding for schools. He said the state should spend $6 billion more on schools.

He said he would drop his plan if Blagojevich lays out a four-year plan for how education is going to be funded.

"If he could do it without raising taxes, fine," said Meeks. "I am not putting a demand on the governor for an income tax increase."

On Thursday, Meeks met with the governor, who could be hurt by an independent bid if traditional Democratic Party constituencies are split between Blagojevich and Meeks. The Republican in the race is state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.

The meeting, however, didn't dissuade Meeks from pursuing his plan.

"I'm not easing off at all. I'm more determined than ever before," said Meeks, adding that his office has been flooded with volunteers.

He said he has the experience to make a viable bid for the chief executive.

"When I did this before, everybody wrote off an independent candidacy for senator. But I'm here so I have the wind of that beneath my wings to know that it's possible, that it can be done," said Meeks.

Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, said he does not support Meeks' possible candidacy.

"I want to make sure we keep a Democratic governor," said Jones, co-chairman of Blagojevich's re-election team.