Chris Cillizza reports that Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk has begun circulating word in Washington that he will jump into the race for the US Senate, a move that comes just hours after Lisa Madigan announced she will be seeking reelection as Attorney General and not running for either Governor or Senate. Cillizza reports that IL GOP Chair Andy McKenna is also exploring a bid.

A moderate hailing from the Democratic-leaning 10th district, Kirk came under fire last week for being one of eight Republicans in the House to vote in favor of the Waxman-Markey cap and trade climate bill.  Whether that causes him any heartburn in the primary remains to be seen.

Regardless, Kirk will have his work cut out against whoever emerges from what is now shaping up to a wide open Democratic primary to replace the damaged Roland Burris.