We've previously highlighted the major dilemma faced by Attorney General Lisa Madigan as she considers a bid for governor in 2010: What issue can she challenge Pat Quinn on considering his brief time in office?

During an appearance with Andy Shaw and  Cheryle Ray-Stout on WLS Radio's Connected To Chicago this weekend, ABC 7's Paul Meinke brought up the other conundrum created by her potential candidacy: Will voters elect her if Michael Madigan remains House Speaker?  

Meinke's point followed Shaw's argument that Illinois voters don't particularly care about political dynasties.  Listen:

Internal mp3

MEINKE: Historically, I think that may be true that we don't mind the son or the daughter coming along.  But I wonder about now.  I think there's tremendous distrust and it extends to all elected officials.  And I think Lisa Madigan, were she to run and her dad stays in power, I think she'd have a real hard time hopping that hurdle.

Meinke illuminates a key distinction: on the one hand, you have a situation in which the daughter follows the father into power; on the other, they share power simultaneously.  The latter would be the case if Lisa were elected governor and her father stayed on as speaker.  You can be sure that such a scenario will be a major part of the primary debate if she ultimately decides to challenge Quinn.  

And rightfully so.  There's been a lot of talk about Lisa's "independence" from her father.  But it's important to note that the attorney general's office is largely separate from the legislature in its scope of responsibilities, so it's easy to be independent from that perch.  The governor's office is a different animal entirely.