Joe Birkett Planning Run For Statewide Office In 2010

Although this year's election cycle ended only a month ago, DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett apparently believes it is not too early to reveal his intentions for the next one.

Birkett on Monday told supporters he's looking at another run for statewide office in 2010.

In his e-mail, Birkett said the Republican Party should use the time until the next election to reshape its message and techniques while retaining the party's core principles.

Birkett considered seeking the GOP nomination for governor in 2006 before agreeing to become the running mate of unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka. In 2002, he lost a bid for attorney general to then-state Sen. Lisa Madigan.