Is Daley Backing - or Elbowing - Hartigan?

He could be the next governor of Illinois.

But with his decision to run for the U.S. Senate in 1996, formerIllinois Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan is passing up his bestchance to win an office that he has wanted for more than 20 years.

Hartigan nearly won the Illinois governorship in 1990. And hewould have been Gov. Edgar's toughest opponent in a '94 rematch. ButHartigan didn't run. With Edgar not expected to seek a third term,Hartigan was a good bet for 1998. Illinois Secretary of State GeorgeH. Ryan is the probable Republican nominee for governor. Hartiganwould have a good chance of beating Ryan.

Why, then, is Mayor Daley's camp promoting Hartigan …