Murphy has released a press release explaining why he decided to switch from running for governor to running for lt. governor.

I did not plan to run for Governor. After two consecutive elections, I was looking forward to taking a break from campaigning to focus on my legislative priorities and coach football for my son. Unfortunately, the economy became worse, people lost their jobs and the Democratic leadership in Springfield reverted to their default position to solve every budget crisis: higher taxes, increased spending and more borrowing. While families and businesses are struggling to make ends meet, they were asked to absorb the cost of Springfield’s fiscal mismanagement at the same time Governor Quinn caved into special interests. Our state was at a crossroads and I felt someone had to offer an alternative to the same tired and failed policies that have put us in a two-way race with Michigan to become the worst state to run a business, create jobs and raise a family.

As the son of a plumbing salesman, I grew up watching my father’s hard work pay off for his children, which is a sacrifice he was willing to make. Right now, our state government is not working for people, but for the special interests that have dominated this state for too long. We need a break from the past and the deal-making that has become the hallmark of our state’s government. The business as usual mentality that has corrupted and embarrassed Illinois has led to record unemployment, record deficits and forced more than 700,000 people to leave our state because they could not find the opportunities to succeed here at home. We can do better and we will.

For more than six years, I have considered Andy McKenna a good friend. He is a decent man of impeccable personal integrity who puts others first time and again. His soft-spoken nature is not one of a career politician - that is a good thing - but a steady confidence and quiet strength that resulted in taking his family business to record heights. As the founding co-chairman of the Chicago Entrepreneurial Center, he lifted budding entrepreneurs by giving them the support and expertise they needed to create jobs throughout the Chicagoland area. Unlike Springfield, Andy has actually created jobs, balanced a budget and improved the quality of life for the people around him. I have always said this campaign isn’t about me, but the need for someone with the experience, credibility and desire to put our state on the right track. For these reasons and many others, I have chosen to suspend my campaign for Governor and proudly endorse and join Andy McKenna as his running mate.

The bi-partisan culture of corruption, mindless irresponsibility toward taxes and spending and a hostile climate toward the creation of new jobs illustrate just how far Springfield has strayed. This will all end under a McKenna/Murphy Administration. It won’t be easy, but through leadership and ideas we will bring economic prosperity back to you. Illinois faces serious problems, but they can only be solved by leading a sea change in ethics, confronting some hard choices on behalf of Illinois taxpayers, setting aside the needs of special interests and career politicians, and creating a laser focus on the interests of Illinois families. Only then will we be able to provide you with the opportunities you need to succeed.

Throughout the last six years Andy and I have fought to curb wasteful government spending, battled for lower taxes, adhered to the highest ethical standards, and took on members of both political parties. The choice could not be clearer.

There are times in history when the right team and right candidates emerge who can dramatically improve the quality of life for citizens. Andy McKenna is an accomplished, hard working, and successful businessman who has a record of creating jobs across the Chicagoland area. His personal ethics are second to none. I’ve been in Springfield long enough to know how to fix the problems and I look forward to working with Andy to improve the quality of life for all of us. We have a once in a generation opportunity this election cycle to chart a new course for our state, our families and our quality of life.

Senator Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) has represented the northwest suburbs since 2006. He is now running for Lt. Governor with Andy McKenna who announced his candidacy for Governor last week. Andy McKenna’s website is www.mckennagov.com and Matt Murphy’s website is www.murphy2010.com.