SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Diane Harris — the Republican running against incumbent Alexi Giannoulias for Illinois Secretary of State in next month’s election — says she has a big concern about her opponent.

That concern:  Giannoulias also wants to become Chicago mayor.

“It’s unfair, in my opinion, that his name will still remain on the ballot,” said Harris, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “It’s also unfortunate because, if you’re running for two seats at one time, how are the voters are going to determine ‘Are you running for Secretary of State, or are you running for mayor?'”

Harris claims even some of the other candidates for Mayor in Chicago feel it’s not fair to simultaneously run for two offices.

As for what she can do in the office if elected, she says she’ll work on customer service in the DMV — and specifically, make things somewhat less burdensome for senior citizens.

“The legislative part is reducing the fees for seniors and veterans — fees that deal with money would have to have that pass through legislation,” said Harris.  “I’d have to work with other departments to make sure that our budget would allow us to reduce or even remove fees for seniors and veterans.  That’s something that I definitely have to work (through the legislature).”

Harris says that she believes senior drivers need to take a test before they renew a driver’s license — something Giannoulias has been against.

Harris admits that there aren’t things she really knew about the office she’s running for at first.

“I didn’t know it has 25 departments.  I knew it had about a dozen of them…but I didn’t know it had 25,” said Harris.  “I knew that the Secretary of State had a police force, but I didn’t know that they did (the investigation of) the carjackings.”

Harris also says she knew the office was the main record-keeper for the state, but she’d suggest that’s the biggest role the office has.

We’ve invited Giannoulias for an interview, and haven’t heard back.