2004. His withdraw was followed by speculation about a potential Mike Ditka candidacy. Illinois gubernatorial election, 2006 In August 2005, Senator Rauchenberger sought the Republican nomination Governor of Illinois in the 2006 election. However, citing a crowded field, Rauchenberger dropped out of the race for governor and joined Ron Gidwitz's campaign as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Though the two positions are nominated in the primary independently, candidates for both often run together during the primary campaign, promoting a single "ticket." During the race, he vowed to drop out if Judy Baar Topinka won the nomination. He ultimately lost to Topinka's running mate and DuPage County States Attorney Joe Birkett. Post political career After leaving the Senate in 2007, he founded Rauschenberger Partners, a lobbying firm where he serves as president. He also took on the role of President of the United Republican Fund until his resignation in 2010. In 2008, he ran to become the Republican National Committeeman representing Illinois, but lost to Pat Brady at the 2008 State Convention of the Illinois Republican Party. During the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries, Rauschenberger ran to be a delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention from Illinois's 14th congressional district for the presidential campaign of former Governor Mitt Romney. During the 2010 election cycle Rauschenberger chose to run against Mike Noland, his successor as state senator and the Democratic incumbent. He was endorsed by Illinois Citizens for Ethics, Illinois Family Action, Illinois Federation of Independent Business, National Rifle Association, the Chicago Tribune and the United Republican Fund of which he was president. On election night, Noland defeated Rauschenberger by 585 votes. In May 2015, Rauschenberger became president of the Technology & Manufacturing Association, a nonprofit organization that represents precision manufacturing and supplier companies in Illinois. References External links Steve Rauschenberger at the 94th Illinois General Assembly 94th: Profile, Bills, Committees 93rd: Profile, Bills, Committees Profile at Project Vote Smart Citizens for Steve Rauschenberger at Follow the Money 1956 births Living people American people of Swedish descent People from Elgin, Illinois Republican Party Illinois state senators College of William & Mary alumni