The Southern reports that GOP Rep. Mike Bost is considering running for lieutenant governor:

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said earlier this week he is weighing his options for a potential run at Illinois’ lieutenant governor’s seat in 2006.

The idea falls far from a promise or even definite interest at this point, the 10-year state legislator said.

“It’s really just the case where someone asked me about it, and I said I’m not closing that door,” Bost said.

Rumor surrounding Bost’s potential climb came after fellow legislator and friend, Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, R-Elgin, announced his intention to run for governor in 2006.

Bost, a state representative since 1994, and Rauschenberger, a state senator since 1993, share the same house in Springfield when the general assembly is in session.

Bost is an incredibly hard worker, and it’s a good idea for him to get his name out early. I just think it’s a mistake to align himself with Rauschenberger, who demonstrated little campaign ability in the US Senate primary this year and showed poor judgment when he came up with the idea of putting Alan Keyes on the ballot.