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'The Ordeal Is Over,' Blagojevich's Successor Announces

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The Associated Press

Published: January 30, 2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was schooled in the politics of the Chicago Machine, but his successor's career has been built on grass-roots organizing to cut government and protect the little guy.

Pat Quinn became the state's chief executive Thursday after the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to remove his scandal-ridden predecessor. The decision immediately elevated Quinn from lieutenant governor, where he had served for two terms under Blagojevich.

Quinn took the oath of office from Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke in the lieutenant governor's office shortly after Blagojevich was booted from office. He later signed the oath in the House.

"The ordeal is over," Quinn declared to lawmakers.

Quinn and Blagojevich campaigned on the same ticket, but the two Democrats had little in common.

Blagojevich rose through the infamous Chicago Machine, and Quinn began his career crusading against utility companies and organizing petition drives, including one that cut the size of the Illinois House by one-third - putting dozens of politicians out of work.

The 60-year-old former state treasurer and tax attorney now must turn his attention to serious problems facing the state's 12 million residents, including a budget deficit of more than $3 billion.

Quinn has been the state's No. 2 executive since 2002, but the lieutenant governor's office is one with few official duties. Quinn probably will enter office with some goodwill from lawmakers who have spent years sparring with Blagojevich.

"I think he's regarded as being honest and in that way a very refreshing change from Blagojevich," said Cindi Canary, head of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

In Illinois, gubernatorial candidates do not pick their running mates. Lieutenant governor candidates run separately in party primaries, and the two run together in the general election.

Blagojevich and Quinn were not close, and Quinn says they have not spoken in more than a year.

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