Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon Not Running Next Year

Gov. Pat Quinn will be left to find a new running mate as Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon announced Wednesday that she won't be running next year.

In a statement Simon said, "Serving as lieutenant governor has given me an opportunity to advocate on important issues that affect our state but it is time for me to do even more. I want to serve the people of Illinois in a role where I can have an even greater impact."

Simon said that she made the decision in December not to run again.  She indicated that she plans to run for a different office, but did not say which office that might be.