Quinn for Illinois

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November 5th, 2009

MORE NORTH SIDE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ENDORSE GOVERNOR QUINN,

PRAISING HIS YEARS OF FIGHTING FOR `EVERYDAY PEOPLE’  IN ILLINOIS

CHICAGO – Praising Governor Pat Quinn’s years of fighting for “everyday people,” a roster of high-profile North Side Democrats today endorsed Governor Quinn in the Feb. 2, 2010 Democratic primary election. 

"In these difficult times, the people of Illinois need leadership and the ability to bring people together, not rampant divisive attacks," State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) said during a morning news conference at Ann Sather’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.  "Having worked with Governor Quinn for over a decade on issues ranging from cleaning up state government to protecting consumers, I am confident that Pat Quinn is the right person to get Illinois back on the right track." 

In accepting the endorsements, Governor Quinn acknowledged that the current recession is having a devastating impact on “the everyday people who are the heart and soul of Illinois. We understand we have some tough times ahead, and the way you get through tough times is by banding together and working together.”

“Illinois faces a very difficult time and a lot of tough decisions have to be made,”  added State Sen. Ira Silverstein, (D-Chicago). “Governor Quinn is a mensch. He looks out for the common people. We need Governor Quinn to guide us to make sure we come out of this economic mess successfully.” 

Several elected officials noted that Governor Quinn has shown great courage and honesty in dealing with the state’s current fiscal crisis. 

“There are not a lot of people in public life today who have the courage to tell the people what he thinks is right,” said State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie). “Pat Quinn stands in front of cameras and tells people what he thinks is right. That’s why he has the respect of the people of Illinois.” 

Chicago Ald. Richard Mell, who noted that he has known Governor Quinn for almost four decades, agreed: “We should all be behind this Governor. Pat Quinn is a straight shooter who would rather do the right thing than the popular thing.” 

Mary O’Connor, 41^st Ward Committeeman, said she has been impressed by Governor Quinn’s sincere interest in issues affecting the people of Illinois. “He believes in what you say – and he takes notes,” she said.  

“Finally, we have a Governor who cares about people,” said Ald. John Rice, Chicago’s newest member of the City Council. “Pat Quinn has always been a grassroots kind of guy, and I know he’s going to win.”

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