Sources: Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon prepping to run for higher office

AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File

News of Sheila Simon not wanting to run as Pat Quinn’s side-kick in 2014 isn’t entirely surprising to people close to her.

Sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times that for weeks, Sheila Simon has expressed an interest in running for higher office, possibly Illinois Attorney General, should Lisa Madigan step aside to run for governor. However, she has not made up her mind.

Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor, worked with building a domestic violence centers in Southern Illinois and has taught in law school.

Simon recently hired a new political director: Bill Doerrer. Doerrer is a onetime Barack Obama field person.

“The Lt. Governor is exploring all options that will allow her to serve Illinois in a greater capacity,” said Doerrer.

Simon has expressed interest weeks ago in running for another office, sources with knowledge of the interest say.

If Madigan were to run for governor, the flood gates would open for the much-coveted Attorney General position. Another person who behind the scenes has expressed interest is State Sen. Kwame Raoul.