DeKalb County Clerk Terry Desmond will not join Neil Hartigan, Illinois Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate, as Lieutenant Governor on the Democratic ticket.

Hartigan chose U.S. Attorney Prosecutor Jim Burns, who is known for his work in drug prosecution and enforcement.

Drug education and prosecution are a “major part of Hartigan’s platform,” said Desmond.

DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said Burns was picked for his experience with drug prosecution.

“I personally think he’s a good selection,” Sparrow said.

“Certainly Terry (Desmond) comes to the position of nominee from a different set of qualifications,” Sparrow said. “He would have run a good campaign.”

Sparrow said for Desmond “to get down to that short list” of

Possible appointees means he is “certainly qualified” for lieutenant governor.

Desmond said Hartigan’s choice of Burns shows that Hartigan is “placing greater importance on the last two positions we have, treasurer and comptroller” which women have showed an interest in holding.

“I would have been very enthused to have been a running mate with Neil Hartigan,” said Desmond.

Desmond said he will decide in the next two weeks what his career plans for the future will be with the help of his wife and family.

Running for the DeKalb County Clerk position is a strong possibility, Desmond said.

Desmond has been involved with DeKalb County government for 17 years. He has been DeKalb County Clerk since 1978.