*** UPDATE *** Alexi Giannoulias responded this morning to the NBC 5 story about how he’s considering a bid for governor…

“Ain’t happening. My life is great right now, Quinn’s my friend, and frankly I think it’s too late for anyone serious to get in anyway.

“Ahern’s correct: I’ve gotten calls, but I imagine that the folks who called me are probably calling others as well. Flattered, but no interest. I do, however, miss Springfield and especially the folks in the treasurer’s office dearly.”

So, let’s put that goofy rumor to rest once and for all, shall we?

* NBC 5…

With Democrat Bill Daley out as a candidate for governor, who might be in?

NBC 5 has learned that some Democratic insiders not satisfied with Gov. Pat Quinn are reaching out to others, including former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

Also on the wish list is Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as well as perhaps a newcomer — a business man or woman.

While there are concerns it may be too late even though the official filing isn’t until December 1, Giannoulias is said to be at least entertaining the idea.

Yeah. Another banker. And a bank that failed, to boot. That’ll work.

I’ve reached out to Giannoulias via voicemail, text and e-mail, but haven’t heard back. I’ll let you know if he responds.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been asked by some folks to write stories encouraging others to run, including about Alexi and Dan Hynes. But I’ve told everybody that unless I hear from those guys directly, I’m not gonna write anything beyond what’s being reported already.

That was my rule with Kwame Raoul. We talked, he was clearly interested, I thought he could pull it off, so I wrote about it.

* Meanwhile, the folks who already decided not to run aren’t changing their minds…

Lisa Madigan, who is seeking re-election as attorney general, said Tuesday that she is not reconsidering her decision to bypass a run against Quinn.

“My decision was based on nothing else to do but my own considerations, not those of any other potential candidates in the race,” she said.

Democratic state Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago, who also had weighed a primary challenge to Quinn, said he was not reconsidering. Raoul indicated his decision was due to a variety of factors, not simply whether the primary would have been “a three-way or a two-way race.”

* Related…

* Is Bill Daley back in frame as possible Ambassador to Ireland?