By Illinois Public Radio/AP
Springfield, Ill. – 
Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood is considering a run for governor.
The Peoria Republican says he'll tour Illinois to gauge whether he can bring in the needed statewide backing before making a final decision about entering the 2006 race by early summer.
But he says if he does run he knows he won't be able to compete with Governor Rod Blagojevich's large campaign fund.
"Money doesn't win elections," Lahood said. "You've got to have good ideas, good grassroots, good organization; that's what wins elections."
LaHood says he thinks Governor Blagojevich has mishandled the state.
He says Blagojevich is too focused on Chicago and hasn't paid enough attention to downstate Illinois.
LaHood was first elected to Congress in 1994.
To hear a report about LaHood's possible run from Illinois Public Radio's Sean Crawford, click on the 'listen' icon above.