Matt Murphy

A Republican state senator is entering the race for the Illinois governorship — the office that Democrat Rod R. Blagojevich vacated earlier this year after his impeachment and conviction on corruption charges.

Matt Murphy , who was first elected in 2006 to represent some suburbs of Chicago, told The Chicago Tribune that “the feedback has been good enough. I’m ready to go forward. I’m in.”  

Murphy is seeking the office currently held by Democrat Pat Quinn , a former lieutenant governor who was installed as governor after Blaogojevich’s ouster in January.  

Murphy is joining a Republican primary that already includes Bill Brady , a colleague of Murphy’s in the state Senate. Several other Republicans are weighing bids.