State Treasurer Dan Rutherford will be handing over the office to Mike Frerichs next month. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – State Treasurer Dan Rutherford will step away from public office in January as he hands the office over to Mike Frerichs.

When looking back at his time in the treasurer's office, Rutherford said progress made with I-Cash is just one thing he's proud of.

"We will close this calendar year (with) well over $150 million returned to people," he said.

The Bright Start program also stood out.

"That has achieved more than national standards," said Rutherford. "In fact, it's been ranked as one of the top 5 college 529 programs in the country."

Rutherford added the treasurer election between Republican Tom Cross and Democrat Mike Frerichs was closer than he thought it would be.

"The public generally looks at the top of the ballot if it's a presidential year, gubernatorial year," said Rutherford. "Down ballot, it's not (an) office people pay a lot of attention to."

What's next for Rutherford? He said taking time off, scuba diving and getting back into his business a little more are all on his agenda.

"We'll see what the future has politically. I'm not saying no, but by no means am I planning the next campaign right now," Rutherford said.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].