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Quinn Picks Chris Kennedy for U. of I. Board

Quinn first announced the nomination at a labor breakfast in Joliet

By Steve Bryant

| Thursday, Aug 27, 2009 | Updated 9:15 AM CDT

Chris Kennedy was named by Gov. Pat Quinn to the Univ. of Illinois Board of Trustees.

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He won't be a senator or governor, but Chris Kennedy will be a University of Illinois trustee.

Gov. Pat Quinn will appoint the Merchandise Mart CEO to the Board of Trustees later today, says the Trib.

A spokeswoman confirmed the nomination will occur later this afternoon. Quinn first announced the nomination at a labor breakfast in Joliet.

Quinn's expected to announce further changes to the board, which has been hobbled by a clout scandal. Earlier this summer the Tribune revealed that students with political connections were being unfairly admitted.

The son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Chris Kennedy has been the president and CEO of Merchandise Mart since 2000.

Kennedy has publicly considered running for political office several times -- including a run for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Obama -- but has never announced any candidacy.