Krishnamoorthi, who had lost the Democratic nomination for post of Comptroller in the February 2 primary elections, has submitted his application to the Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. The elections to elect Lt Governor will be held in November this year.
A former Illinois Deputy Treasurer, Krishnamoorthi said he is getting support from the Indian American community, who is collecting 10,000 signatures to back his nomination.
"Much remains to be done to fulfill our commitment as Democrats to generate strong economic and job growth, provide a more open and transparent state government as well as affordable health care and retirement security for all Illinois taxpayers.
As Lieutenant Governor, I would like to help Governor Quinn achieve these goals and more," Krishnamoorthi said.
He had garnered roughly 384,000 votes statewide in the Comptroller elections, which he lost by less than one per cent of the votes cast. If elected, Krishnamoorthi would be the first Asian-American to hold any elected state office in Illinois.
In the February elections, Krishnamoorthi lost to Scott Lee Cohen who was nominated by the Democratic party to be Governor Pat Quinn's running mate in the November polls. However, Cohen had to withdraw from the race after it was revealed that he was arrested in 2005 for domestic abuse and failed to pay back taxes and child support.
The Democratic Party now wants to replace Cohen on the ballot and has received nearly 150 applications so far.The Illinois Democratic State Central Committee would meet later in March to select the nominee.Krishnamoorthi has raised more than USD 1.1 million for his primary campaign.