This was covered elsewhere in the blogosphere last week, but now it’s official. From a press release…

Steve Sauerberg M.D., a 54-year-old successful family practice physician based in La Grange, Illinois, has entered the Republican primary for the United States Senate seat, currently held by Democrat Dick Durbin.

“ A lifetime of serving others translates well to curing what is wrong with career politician Dick Durbin and his out-of-touch liberal values,” said Sauerberg. “We need to cut taxes to help families and create jobs, cut wasteful pork barrel spending, oppose efforts to reward illegal immigrants with citizenship and taxpayer benefits, and we must develop alternative energy sources including bio-fuels to ensure both energy independence and our national security, while also providing affordable top quality healthcare for all our citizens.”

A loving husband, father of two, and life-long family care physician, Dr. Sauerberg has built one of the largest family medical practices in the western suburbs of Chicago. Steve is also a former medical school teacher, little league coach and was recently chosen to serve on the MacMurray College Board of Trustees, his alma mater. Steve graduated from MacMurray College, located in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1975 and later graduated the Chicago-based Rush Medical College in 1977. He opened his own medical practice in 1985, which he still maintains today.

Earlier this year, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin was rated the most liberal senator in the country by the National Journal, a respected non-partisan Washington publication.

“It’s troubling how non-partisan sources document that Durbin is the most liberal member of the United States Senate, a real liberal’s liberal. Dick Durbin does not represent our Illinois values,” added Sauerberg. “We need to bring real-life common sense to the national debate so we can find solutions and get results for the taxpayers, families, and seniors of Illinois. I believe I can be that voice and best serve the residents of Illinois here at home and in Washington, D.C.”

*** UPDATE *** Krol has more at Animal Farm…

Sauerberg is getting a late start in what promises to be an expensive race. He said he plans to put some of his own money into the contest, but “not enough to make any difference.” […]

As is common with doctors, a quick check of court filings show Sauerberg has been sued a few times for malpractice, but no details were readily available Monday. […]

Sauerberg has hired Campbell & Campbell as his general consultant. Mark Campbell, who owns the firm with his wife Eva, is political director for former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giu-liani’s campaign.

Sauerberg’s lone staff member so far is Patrick Carl-son, who worked as local po-litical director for former Speaker Dennis Hastert for six years and then on Judy Baar Topinka’s governor campaign last year.