WHITTINGTON - Surrounded by several hundred of his closest friends and supporters, Sen. Gary Forby announced Monday he would seek re-election to the office he has held since 2003.

The Benton Democrat drew a large crowd to the Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center, including one of the rising stars in the state political arena: Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who introduced Forby as "a great friend and a great senator."

"We are facing serious times in Illinois and we need serious leaders," Giannoulias said. "He has a big heart and is one of the best people I know. He is accessible to everyone. He is always there for his friends and he will always be there for the people he serves."

Forby, 61, was first appointed to the state senate in 2003. He previously served as a state representative in the 117th District and before that as Franklin County Board chairman.

If he wins the Democratic primary election in February - no other Democrat has announced a run for the office - Forby is expected to face Republican Grayson Gile in the November election. Gile has served as Pulaski County state's attorney for the past seven years.

Forby said he is up for the challenge.

"I've never had anything given to me. I always had to fight for it. I've fought for the people in my district and I'll keep on fighting now to help them," he said.

Forby said recent "turmoil" such as the lack still of any electric rate relief and the state's controversial budget could affect the election's outcome, but he urged the crowd not to give up.

"We fought for that electric rate relief and we're going to get it signed very, very soon by the governor. And we're not done with the budget. I feel like we only got half a budget done, because it's not a budget until we have a capital bill to put people to work and repair our schools and roads," he said. "There has been lots of turmoil and there will be lots more, but don't give up. The Democrats will win. We'll come out on top. A change is coming."

He said he knows there have been rumors that he would not seek re-election, but he said he is not ready to leave Springfield just yet.

"I know there's been talk that I am leaving, but that is not true. There are still some things I want to get done," Forby said. "I'm trying to do the best that I can for my district. When you go to Springfield, you vote your district because they're the ones who put you there."

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