Former Congressman Joe Walsh is exploring a run for statewide office.

The Illinois Republican spoke Wednesday before members of the Chicago Tea Party at Blackie’s Chicago Restaurant on S. Clark St.; he’s been supported by Tea Party members for years.

Walsh lost his 8th district seat to Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth in November; he says Illinois is in deep trouble because of its current leadership, with high taxes and deficit spending driving more businesses out of the state every month.

Walsh says he won’t make a decision about seeking office until he’s had a chance to travel the state and learn the concerns of voters.