CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says Chris Kennedy, the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, would be an “excellent candidate” for governor in 2018.

Madigan made the comments in Philadelphia at the Democratic Party convention after Kennedy spoke to the Illinois delegation. The Chicago Tribune reports that Kennedy used his address Tuesday to criticize Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner for trying to curb the power of unions and for the state’s lack of a complete budget.

But after his speech, Kennedy declined to address speculation that he’s interested in the state’s top office.

Rauner’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Madigan is the state Democratic Party chairman. In addition to Kennedy, he said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin could also be a strong candidate for governor.