Next year’s election for Illinois governor has its first Green Party candidate.

This will be Whitney’s fourth bid for public office in Illinois. His showing in the 2006 gubernatorial race won the Greens coveted “established party” status in Illinois. That’s made it a lot easier for Green candidates to get on the ballot. Whitney says now - more than ever - his party is a “viable third choice” for Illinois voters.

WHITNEY: I believe that, if anything, the frustration factor with the Democratic and Republican Party leadership, generally today, is even greater than it was in 2006.

He says the Greens’ platform could attract voters who are fed up with the state’s political establishment.

A handful of Republicans have already announced plans to run for governor in 2010. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has made no formal announcement.