News Local/State

Gov. Quinn on Possible Primary Challenge

 

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is waving off early indications that he may face competition in next year’s primary election.

Even people outside Chicago know the “Daley” name.

In this case, it is not former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, but his brother, Bill – onetime Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama. Bill Daley has been mentioned as a potential challenger to Gov. Quinn for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Quinn is definitely running, and Daley said he is mulling it over.

“We need a governor in our state, and that’s me, who works every day on things like pension reform, banning assault weapons. I think it’s important to have total emphasis on jobs and economic growth," Quinn said. "That’s what I work on, and I think that’s much more productive for the people to have a governor who’s focused on jobs than one who’s focused on politics and the next campaign.”

Despite making them top priorities, Quinn has been unable to get legislators to pass a pension overhaul or stricter gun control measures.