THE VALLAS FACTOR Pat Quinn either made the perfect choice or created a perfect nightmare in selecting Paul Vallas as his running mate. At least that was the gist of the media chatter over the weekend. We sum it up here.
END OF THE LINE? The next lieutenant governor could be the last. If the Illinois Senate approves a bill already passed by the House, you'll get to vote on abolishing the office next November. Find out the quirky history and ill-defined duties of the state's second-in-command in our instructional and entertaining infographic here.
Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
MARRIAGE AND POLITICS Who won and who lost politically in last week's gay marriage vote? And will the Republican nominee for governor escape fallout from this issue next year? Capitol Fax publisher Rich Miller explores the politics behind the passage of same-sex marriage in Illinois in his column this week.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR Money talks, but apparently not to the watchdogs of Chicago city government who face greater workloads but not additional funding in 2014. Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association takes on funding for Chicago's inspectors general.
Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
AUTUMN BUST? Was the fall veto session a big bust because the General Assembly didn't debate a sweeping pension bill? Yes and no. We've got a view from across Illinois media, including hope for a pension deal before January.
HEADLINES Here are the top stories in the Illinois news cycle as we start a new week :
4. Is there going to be election fallout from Illinois legislators passing same-sex marriage? (State Journal-Register)
3. Opinion: Illinois is a rudderless and perhaps even a hopeless place. (Peoria Journal Star)
2. Despite passing same-sex marriage, the Illinois Legislature left much of Gov. Pat Quinn’s agenda on the table during the fall session. (Associated Press)
1. Although they’re not scheduled to return to Springfield until late January, pension reform might bring lawmakers back next month. (State Journal-Register)
