We previously noted that Rep. Jan Schakowsky was keeping the door open to a 2010 U.S. Senate bid.  Now State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is exploring a challenge to Roland Burris as well.  From Politico:

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is holding conversations with leading Illinois Democrats in preparation for a possible candidacy, according to a Democratic operative familiar with his decision-making process.

“He’s been talking to a lot of Democrats in Illinois who believe that this seat is gone is if Burris is the nominee. If it’s Mark Kirk or a rich Republican, we’ve got to hold this seat. That’s enough to encourage him to take a very serious look,” said the operative.