The chief of staff for Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is now running to replace her boss. Democrat Robin Kelly made it official Monday that she’s running for State Treasurer. She says it will be a difficult time to step into statewide office.

KELLY: Double-digit unemployment, too many foreclosures, our credit rating just dropped another score: Tough times and challenging times call for proven, steady leadership.

Kelly is a former State Representative from south suburban Matteson.

She’ll face businessman Kip Kirkpatrick in next year’s Democratic primary.

Other candidates for the Treasurer’s seat include Republican State Sen. Dan Rutherford and Green Party candidate Scott Summers.