State Sen. Michael Bond (D) is gearing up to run for Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R) seat, according to sources familiar with the situation. Kirk is pondering a bid for Senate in 2010, and his departure would make his north Chicagoland seat a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats.

Bond has tapped John Lapp to do his media campaign, Bennett, Petts & Normington to his polling and Ed Peavy to do direct mail for the race, according to one source familiar with the arrangement. The source also said a former aide to Rep. Melissa Bean (D), Brian Herman, will manage his campaign.

Bond and two other Democrats are making moves to run for the seat. State Sen. Susan Garrett is also considering a bid and plans to meet with campaign officials in Washington, D.C., this month.

The 2006 and 2008 Democratic nominee, marketing consultant Dan Seals, has indicated he would run a third time only if Kirk retires.