Gov. Pat Quinn traveled south of Interstate 80 this week. Quinn spent an entire day in Central Illinois, which was mighty generous of him, considering everyone there voted for his opponent, state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington.
Quinn has been criticized by a Champaign TV station for spending only 40 nights in the Governor’s Mansion over the last year. Chicago governors ignoring Downstate has been a touchy subject ever since Rod Blagojevich flew home every night to tuck in his daughters at his Ravenswood Mansion house. The fact that Quinn’s Chicago landslide cancelled out the votes of the rest of the state in 2010 has led Downstaters to complain he governs on behalf of Cook County only. His schedule for the past week doesn’t do much to dispel that impression.
SUNDAY
CHICAGO: Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago White Sox players Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham will at the Bring Me Home Campaign Grand Slam Party to support the needs of Illinois foster children.
MONDAY
CHICAGO: Governor Pat Quinn will sign legislation to prevent violence and reduce crime by allowing law enforcement to more effectively prosecute street gangs.
TUESDAY
CHICAGO: Governor Pat Quinn will address eighth-grade graduates at Isabelle C. O’Keeffe Elementary School’s commencement ceremony.
THURSDAY
PEORIA: Governor Quinn will be joined by Larry “The Flagman” Eckhardt to honor Illinois Veterans and servicemembers.
SPRINGFIELD: Governor Quinn will speak at a BBQ for the 2012 Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games.
MASCOUTAH: Building on his commitment to creating jobs, Governor Quinn will open a new international distribution facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
FRIDAY
LOMBARD: Governor Pat Quinn will sign a new law to support the charitable efforts of public safety officers at the 39th Biennial Convention of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois.
MACHESNEY PARK: Governor Pat Quinn will make a jobs announcement at Forte
ROCKFORD: Governor Pat Quinn will attend the State Convention for Letter Carriers and sign legislation protecting letter carriers.
CHICAGO: Governor Pat Quinn will attend the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy’s Annual Chicago Benefit.
HIGHLAND PARK: Governor Pat Quinn will proclaim Al Green Day in Illinois.
