Topinka all but certain to announce for Illinois governor's race

Wow, I sure misjudged this one. I, for one, felt almost certain that Topinka would take a pass on running for governor, and apparently, I was flat wrong.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka said Monday she was prepared for a "brutal" fight ahead and that is what the GOP's conservative wing appeared ready to deliver as she began organizing her bid for the Republican nomination for governor.
Topinka, 61, a social moderate joins the March 21 primary contest as the front-runner against four already announced candidates, three of them social conservatives. She said it did not matter if her candidacy would reduce the size of the primary field.

But Andrew McKenna Jr., the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, said he was actively encouraging Topinka's rivals to consider lower spots on the ballot in an effort to build unity and to prevent a politically and financially costly primary campaign.

"We've got good candidates in it, but she's won three statewide elections," he said of Topinka's consecutive victories for treasurer. "That's important and she's been able to accomplish broad appeal, and we're going to need a nominee who can do that."

Now what?

What does this mean for Blagojevich's prospects? Does Judy have a prayer?

Mike Boland was frozen in amber by the Madigan decree. He's got to be hating it now. Just for fun, what are the odds of the unthinkable happening and Boland breaking rank to challenge Mangieri for Treasurer?