Quinn Gets SEIU Endorsement in Re-Election Bid

Gov. Pat Quinn has picked up a major labor endorsement for his re-election during a campaign that's already focused on union influence.

Service Employees International Union in Illinois said Monday it was backing the Chicago Democrat because of his stance on the minimum wage and integrity in Springfield.

Faith Arnold, a small business owner, said Quinn "is absolutely the right choice for Illinois."

"Illinois stands at a crucial crossroads," Arnold said. "He has walked our streets, visited our homes, sung at our house of worship."

Quinn faces what's expected to be a tough challenge from Republican businessman Bruce Rauner.

The Winnetka venture capitalist made fighting "government union bosses" a theme during the GOP primary. Unions also made the unusual move of endorsing a Republican in the primary: state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale.

Quinn has traditionally enjoyed union support. However, public employee unions disagreed with his signing of a pension overhaul that cuts benefits for state employees and retirees.

SEIU represents roughly 170,000 workers in Illinois.