By AP/KWMU
Chicago, Ill. – Another high-profile Republican has withdrawn his name from consideration to run for the U.S. Senate next year.
Former Attorney General Jim Ryan, who was the GOP's unsuccessful nominee for governor last year, says he discussed a possible run with his wife but decided to continue practicing law and teaching instead.
Illinois Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka has also said she's not interested. So has former Governor Jim Edgar. Current Senator Peter Fitzgerald recently announced he would not seek reelection in 2004.
While several Democrats have announced their intention to run in 2004, there's still no Republican candidate.
North Shore businessman Andy McKenna Jr. is among the Republicans considering a run. He says he will file the paperwork for a fund-raising committee as early as Wednesday.
Accountant and lawyer John Cox, former investment banker Jack Ryan and millionaire businessman James Oberweis also say they're considering entering the race, as is former State Representative Jim Durkin, who ran last year for Illinois' other U.S. Senate seat against Dick Durbin.