SPRINGFIELD - For anyone burned out on what has become the longest and most expensive campaign season in history, the following sentence won't be a welcome one: The 2010 election has already begun.

Although today marks the conclusion of a spirited and competitive election, it also marks the unofficial beginning of Illinois' next election cycle.

To be sure, things are still in their formative stages. And, few potential candidates want to risk a backlash by voters if they come on too strong, too early.

But, signals are already being transmitted through the electorate about who's in, who's out and who's thinking about making a bid for governor and other statewide seats.

On the Democratic side, Attorney General Lisa Madigan said earlier she's mulling a run for chief executive. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has not ruled out seeking a third term, despite rock-bottom poll numbers.

Former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas, a candidate for governor in 2002, ruled out a second run during an appearance over the weekend.

Among Republicans, state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, never stopped running for governor after his 2006 primary loss to Judy Baar Topinka. Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley's name has surfaced as a possible contender.

Political scientist Frank Mackaman of the Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin said most Illinoisans were spared from the onslaught of television ads from the presidential contenders because the state was not in play.

"We were lucky in Illinois," Mackaman said.

As for preparing for 2010, Mackaman has a suggestion: Get a digital video recorder and use it to skip over the TV ads.

"Tivo is a wonderful invention," Mackaman said.