SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, widely considered a possible candidate for governor or a U.S. Senate seat, made a surprising announcement Wednesday that she won't be running for either.

Instead, Madigan announced her plans to run for a third term as attorney general in 2010.

"I understand that some people may be surprised by my decision, because there has been speculation about whether I might run for Governor or for the U.S. Senate. I can't express how honored I am that others would consider me for either of these positions," Madigan's prepared remarks read. "But I know that for now, the best way for me to continue serving the people of Illinois is to continue doing the job that I love."

Madigan, 42, is the daughter of powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a central figure in the state's months-long budget turmoil.

John Jackson, a political scientist at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, said Madigan may not have wanted to get caught up in the budget scandal come election time.

"Politics is all about timing," Jackson said. "And people who play the game well have an exquisite sense of timing."

In the race for attorney general, Madigan could be headed for a rematch of her 2002 campaign against Republican Joe Birkett, the DuPage County state's attorney.

"Lisa Madigan's announcement does not change my plans," Birkett said in a statement. "I look forward to offering Illinois voters new leadership in a state that desperately needs it."

All eyes on Madigan

Political hopefuls around the state had been watching Madigan's every political move, as she was largely considered a strong candidate for either governor or for the Senate seat now held by Democrat Roland Burris.

Now, with her announcement, some doors swing open for other candidates. But other Democrats looking to run for attorney general may have instead seen doors close Wednesday.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to seek a full term as governor in 2010.

"Throughout her years in public office, Attorney General Lisa Madigan has proven herself to be capable, conscientious, and committed to the best interests of the people of Illinois," Quinn said in a statement.

Comptroller Dan Hynes, another Democrat, said Wednesday he's discussing his political future with his family.

On the Republican side, at least five candidates have already announced their intentions to run. The most recent is state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Republican from the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale. He made his 2010 bid official Wednesday, including a stop in Decatur.

In the 2010 U.S. Senate race, Madigan had met with President Barack Obama about running. She said the meeting was mostly advisory.

"There wasn't pressure," she said.

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and businessman Chris Kennedy are both mulling runs on the Democratic side. And U.S. Sen. Roland Burris could seek re-election.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park and state party chairman Andy McKenna both have their eyes on the seat.

But in the meantime, Madigan's decision Wednesday about her own political future answers a big question looming over everyone else's plans. She said she didn't feel pressured to announce her intentions, but said it was important to release the news once she had made a decision.

"People need to start deciding what they want to do with their lives," Madigan said.

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