Former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley is inching closer to making a decision about running for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2010. According to a source close to Daley, he is tying up loose ends with his employer before making any announcement.

“He hasn’t made the final decision, but he’s beyond just seriously considering,— the source said. “He’s very close to making that decision.—

But Daley is not the only candidate looking to challenge Sen. Roland Burris (D) if the appointed Senator decides to run for a full term in 2010. State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) has formed an exploratory committee, plus other local officials are considering running.

Rep. Mark Kirk is the most likely candidate to run for the GOP nod, although state party leaders say Rep. Peter Roskam could also run statewide.

The brother of the mayor of Chicago, Daley would presumably enter the race with the backing of his family’s political operation. He has already recruited pollster John Anzalone and media consultant Larry Grisolano of AKPD Message and Media to help him if he decides to run.

Daley is an executive at JPMorgan Chase.