One of the most respected and best known Democrats in Illinois has said no to President Barack Obama's request that she run for his old U.S. Senate seat.

Lisa Madigan, the state's attorney general, has declined Obama's request to run for the Senate seat now occupied by fellow Democrat Sen. Roland Burris who was appointed by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Burris has been embroiled in controversy for failing to be forthcoming about the nature of his contacts with Blagojevich's allies before his appointment to the Senate.

Madigan also said she won't be running for Illinois governor. She stated family considerations for he decision, according to the Chicago Tribune. She has two young daughters, ages four and one.