Health & Fitness

Eliminate "lite gov" office? Let the people vote, says BGA

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DALEY FIGHTS BACK Gov. Pat Quinn has sought to cast his race against Bill Daley for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination as a case of the populist who fights for the little guy (Quinn) vs. the "big shot" who has traveled in elite political and business circles. Daley has had enough of this theme, and defended his record in an appearance Sunday on Chicago radio station WGN-AM 720. Daley has had a hard time winning support from the state Democratic Party establishment, with Cook County Democrats and the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association sticking with the incumbent Quinn. On Sunday, the Illinois Democratic State Central Committee will convene in Springfield to decide its choice. There's more background on my blog.

FLASHBACK The Daley/Quinn race promises to be one of the most interesting primary contests since, well, since then-Comptroller Dan Hynes challenged Quinn unsuccessfully for the nomination in 2010. To get an idea of what we'll be hearing in the months leading up to the March 18 primary, here are some highlights from appearances last month before the annual  Illinois Democratic County Chairmen's Association meeting in Springfield. 

  • Quinn gets in a shot at Daley's "big shot" background at 1:15 in this clip.
  • Here, Daley warns that Democrats will give up the governorship if they nominate Quinn.
LITE GUV The Illinois House in April overwhelmingly approved a bill to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor. Proponents said it was a cost-saving measure to eliminate an office that, historically, has been defined by its very lack of definition. But now that lieutenant governor candidates are selected by governor candidates as running mates, having the office makes quite a bit more sense than before. Enough sense to continue the $2 million a year that the office costs? Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association says it's time to let voters choose. Find out more here.

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HAD ENOUGH? Ever tell someone you're from Illinois and get an immediate response about the corrupt state of our government here? We have, and we're tired of trying to make light of it. Help us stamp out the corruption that created this reputation. Click here!

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CORRECTED Friday's email contained an errant link to the winners of our  "What Makes Illinois Great" photo contest. This is the correct link.  The three winning pictures and all the other entries are good reminders of why we're working to bring a great state the great government, schools and economy it deserves.

MONDAY MORNING NEWS Get your news fix right here:

5. The chairman of the state's largest charter school operator resigned after less than four months at the position. (Chicago Sun-Times)
4. Opinion: Back-to-basics ideas that might help achieve pension reform. (Chicago Sun-Times)
3. Opinion: TIFs won’t be able to rescue Chicago Public Schools. (Chicago Tribune)
2. Opinion: Expensive Capitol renovations opened the door to criticism. (Peoria Journal Star)
1. Opinion: Would term limits really have a substantial effect? There’s a lot of turnover in the legislature already. (State Journal-Register

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