In this, the second installment of our occasional series, we’re going to visit with another former Republican lieutenant governor of Illinois (see Bob Kustra edition).

Lake Forest resident Corinne Wood held the post from 1999-2003. An attorney and first-term state representative, Wood ran as George Ryan’s unofficial running mate in the primary (when candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately) and had no opposition. The GOP ticket then beat out Democrats Glenn Poshard and Mary Lou Kearns in the general.

Of course, things would soon go sour in the Ryan administration. I asked Wood recently about that rocky time.

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An interesting defense there from Wood of the position of lieutenant governor, referring to the duties required by statute: “If you do that well and do that right, I can assure you that will take up more time then most people are able and willing to spend.”

Not Exactly Close to George These Days

I asked Wood if she has had any contact with Ryan or his family since leaving office. Her reply: “No, [I] have not.” Asked if she at all misses having any sort of a relationship with Ryan, Wood said simply, “No, I do not.”

You can’t blame her. Wood’s connection to Ryan, however fleeting by the end of their term together, was blamed in part for her loss in the 2002 Republican primary, when she went for governor. (George Ryan did not seek re-election.) And news reports from the time explain that the Wood’s election strategy to get the support of moderate Republicans and crossover Democrats just didn’t go far enough. Attorney General Jim Ryan got the GOP nod, and Rod Blagojevich rolled to victory in November.

Future Plans and Campaign Cash

Jim Ryan’s getting back in the game this year with a run for governor. What about Wood?

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In addition to that dogwalking, it sounds like she’s been keeping busy.

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Wood was thrilled that a campaign finance bill appears headed for the law books in Illinois. She’s personally handed out a good deal of campaign cash since her loss, most recently a few thousand to the congressional campaign of state Representative Beth Coulson. Also a moderate Republican, Coulson is in a crowded primary for the 10^th Congressional District seat being vacated by Senate hopeful Mark Kirk (who Wood has also donated to in the past).

Wood closed out her own campaign account in 2006, showing more than $5-million in debt to her and her husband.