GOP State Rep. Polito Running For Treasurer

State Rep. Karyn Polito announced Monday that she is running for Massachusetts state treasurer.

In launching her campaign, the Shrewsbury Republican called for reduced spending on Beacon Hill. She said the first step is to do away with the state's public pension system for elected officials.

"We need to return to the citizen government that our Founding Fathers intended, one where public service is a privilege, and not a ticket to retirement riches," Polito said.

Polito says she plans to immediately withdraw her own public pension money and invest it privately.

Joining Democrats Steve Grossman, the former Democratic National Committee Chairman, and Steve Murphy, a Boston city councilor, in the race, Rep. Polito is painting herself as a business-friendly politician.

"It is time for leadership that understands that our state is stronger when we balance the budget," she said. "We keep our taxes low and we adopt policies that make us more business friendly so that we can create an environment for sustained job growth."

Polito also said she supports bringing casinos and slot machines to Massachusetts as long as the proceeds go into the lottery fund and are returned to cities and towns. The Treasurer oversees the lottery.

The Associated press contributed to this report.